A half-century from in-form opener Martin Guptill has helped New Zealand set Zimbabwe a target of 249 for victory in their first one-day cricket international in Dunedin.

Guptill top-scored with 70 in 66 balls for the Black Caps, who were dismissed for 248 with nine balls remaining at University Oval.

The home side had repeatedly looked set for a bigger total on Friday, but were stymied by a regular fall of wickets.

Zimbabwe won the toss and captain Brendan Taylor’s decision to bowl on a grassy strip paid early dividends with two quick wickets.

New Zealand lost opener Rob Nicol (0) and skipper Brendan McCullum (3) to be reeling at 2-4 in just the second over.

From there, Guptill and Kane Williamson settled the New Zealand innings.

Both had a life, but were travelling comfortably and had taken their partnership to 88 when Williamson misjudged a Shingirai Masakadza delivery to be caught and bowled for 35.

Guptill’s departure after being bowled by Elton Chigumbura left the home side at 4-130.

The rest of New Zealand’s recognised batsmen made good starts but couldn’t push on.

Both of the Black Caps’ debutants, Tom Latham and Andrew Ellis, produced encouraging performances at the crease.

The 19-year-old Latham drove, cut and swept with confidence for three boundaries, before he was caught behind for 24 while attempting another drive.

Allrounder Ellis shared in a 57-run seventh-wicket stand with Nathan McCullum before being dismissed for 33 when trying to accelerate the scoring.

Masakadza finished with 4-47 to be the best of a steady Zimbabwe attack, while Jarvis, who produced good movement early on, and Chigumbura took two wickets each.