Zimbabwe takes 7 wicket unusual win over New Zealand

The pair added 137 for the third wicket – their fourth consecutive century stand in ODIs – as New Zealand posted 303 for four after being put into bat by Zimbabwe. The Kiwis began on a shaky note losing both of its opening batsmen Martin Guptill and Tom Latham for 39 runs in 9 overs.

Taylor is second on the list for 2015 with 1,041 runs, having helped himself to 59 runs in the final 10 overs as New Zealand moved from 188 for three to their final score to set Zimbabwe a tall target. Taylor though completed a well deserved hundred and remained unbeaten on 112 runs. Among the Zimbabwean bowlers, Tinashe Panyangara managed to make an impression by taking two wickets for 50 runs.

In reply, Zimbabwe made a solid start as openers Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha (42) shared a 74-run partnership before the dismissal of the latter.

Masakadza clipped spinner McCullum (3-63) behind to wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi but there was to be no stopping Ervine, the 29-year-old – whose previous best ODI score was the 85 he plundered against Canada in the 2011 World Cup – bringing up his ton off 99 deliveries.

Subsequently, Ervine and Masakadza teamed up as the duo built a resilient 120-run stand for the second wicket.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura provided good support to Ervine, who accelerated his scoring rate as and when it was needed.

Taylor and Williamson continued their remarkable run of form as New Zealand racked up 303 for four, only for Ervine s dashing innings to carry Zimbabwe to victory with six balls to spare.

Ervine, who was adjudged as the Player of the Match, was at the heart of the successful chase and smacked 11 fours and five sixes during his stellar knock.