New Zealand 372/6 in ODI against Zimbabwe

WHANGAREI: A powerful 146 off 134 balls by opener Rob Nicol led a New Zealand batting onslaught which produced 372 for six in the second one-day international against Zimbabwe in Whangarei Monday.

Nicol, who lasted until the 48th innings, produced the fifth highest New Zealand one-day innings as he clouted the cream of the Zimbabwe bowlers around the ground in an innings which produced 10 fours and six sixes.

After rain delayed the start of play from 35 minutes, New Zealand made a cautious start, surviving two maiden overs before Nicol started the scoring with an unorthodox slog which resulted in a top edge over slips for four.

But his innings, his second century in only his fifth ODI, was near chanceless after that, as he stood in a 131-run partnership with Martin Guptill (77) for the first wicket.

New Zealand won the first match in the series in Dunedin on Friday by 90 runs with the third and final game in Napier on Thursday. (AFP)