New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum expects the Black Caps to improve on their three dominant one-day wins over Zimbabwe, capped off by Thursday’s 202-run win at Napier’s McLean Park.
New Zealand’s total of 373 for eight, their highest on home soil, was set up by another century partnership from openers Martin Guptill and Rob Nicol.
The pair put on 153, at seven runs an over, to go with their 131-run stand in game two in Whangarei, when Nicol made a century and the Black Caps ended on a similar score of 372 for six.
Only Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, with 65, offered any real resistance as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 171 in 44 overs.
The Blacks Caps earlier recorded wins by 90 and 141 runs in the first two ODIs, and won the one-off Test by an innings and 301 runs.
McCullum was wary of taking Zimbabwe too lightly in the final two Twenty20 matches, the first in Auckland on Saturday.
“I think the gap between two teams is always narrowed the shorter the game is. So it means we’re going to need to be more efficient.”
He said injury niggles to Jacob Oram (calf) and Guptill (groin) would be managed cautiously, but weren’t expected to pose major problems.
McCullum said the pair, along with pace bowler Kyle Mills, had played a key role in New Zealand’s comprehensive wins.
“The experienced guys have all stepped up really well,” McCullum said.
“Kyle has led the bowling attack, Jacob’s unlocked his batting again and played a key role there. And Martin Guptill, the way he’s played has been phenomenal.”
McCullum was also happy with the effort from the rookie contingent in the Black Caps, saying Michael Bates, Colin de Grandhomme and Tarun Nethula had all contributed well.
“I think Tarun bowled brilliantly – he got some flight, and he got some turn as well,” McCullum said.
“It should be encouraging for New Zealand Cricket to know we’ve got a leg spinner who’s capable of doing that.”
McCullum said the most satisfying aspect to the Zimbabwe series had been the consistent improvement the Black Caps had shown.
“We’ve been able to continue to raise the tempo of our game and execute better and better each game we’ve played.”