Martin Guptill scored a flashing century but the rest of New Zealand’s batting fired blanks before the World Cup warm-up game against Zimbabwe was washed out.

A rain-interrupted Black Caps innings reached 157-7 off 30.1 overs on Monday, leaving Zimbabwe to chase an adjusted 156 to win off 30 overs.

However, the tourists never got started, with heavy rain forcing the unofficial game to be abandoned.

Only Guptill was able to confidently negotiate the bowling from Zimbabwe, who are considered rank outsiders for the World Cup which begins this weekend.

The lanky opener reached 100 off 85 balls and was dismissed off the very next delivery after striking 13 fours and two sixes.

After winning the toss, the home team’s other batsmen threw their wickets away at regular intervals, with Ross Taylor (11) the only batsman to post a score in double figures.

Captain Brendon McCullum (8), Kane Williamson (6) and Corey Anderson (6) were among those to squander the chance for time in the middle.

New Zealand chose to rest wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, allrounder Grant Elliott and seamer Trent Boult while pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan was listed as a 12th player who wouldn’t bat.

Zimbabwe also named 12 players and rested their accomplished batsman, Brendan Taylor.

The pick of their attack was new ball bowler Tinashe Pangyangara, who took 2-28 off five overs.

Both teams play their final warm-up games on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe face Sri Lanka at Lincoln while New Zealand will play South Africa at Hagley Oval, the venue for Saturday’s World Cup opener between the Black Caps and Sri Lanka.