Craig Ervine ton sets up thrilling last-over victory for Zimbabwe in 1st ODI against New Zealand

New Zealand debutant bowler Ish Sodhi walks as Zimbabwe's batsmen complete a run

Craig Ervine’s maiden ODI hundred, 130 off 108 balls, brought a 50th over victory for Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI against New Zealand, by a margin of 7 wickets and 5 balls remaining. This was the first game in a series of three ODI matches between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe brought up their highest second innings score at the ground, beating the 2015 World Cup finalists (playing as Aotearoa) in the process.

Openers Hamilton Masakadza (84 off 99 balls) and Chamu Chibhabha (42 off 48 balls) gave the home team a good start, before Craig Ervine played a glorious innings, taking over the proceedings of the match. Sean Williams came in at No.5 to partner him for the crucial last 5 overs.

Nathan McCullum was the most effective of the New Zealand bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 63 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a score of 303/4 after being sent in to bat first by Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura. Stand-in captain Kane Williamson (97 off 102 balls) and Ross Taylor (112* off 122 balls) put up a 137-run partnership before Grant Elliott’s 32-ball 43 gave late impetus to the innings.

Now I understand why Pakistan didn't want to play Zimbabwe before the CT17 cut off date.

— Clive (@vanillawallah) August 2, 2015

After Bangladesh, now Zimbabwe turning on screws! Great for ODI cricket.. It must be more competitive! Like it was between 1999-2003 #ZIMvNZ

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) August 2, 2015