At Auckland, January 28. New Zealand won by 74 runs. Toss: New Zealand. International debut: S. G. Davies.

Restored to open, Astle scored 120 from 137 deliveries, with 13 fours and a six, though he was helped when in full flow by a generous supply of over-pitched deliveries. Only Glenn Turner, now the team coach, had scored more for New Zealand in a one-day international (twice). In reply, Grant Flower and Whittall gave Zimbabwe the faster early run-rate but, once brilliant catches by Parore and Larsen removed the Flower brothers, their chance of success soon ended. The best crowd of the summer – 23,000 – turned up despite New Zealand Cricket's gaffe in advertising the match for Saturday instead of Sunday – and then opening so few entrances that queues persisted deep into the New Zealand innings.

Man of the Match: N. J. Astle.

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