Ervine stars in big Zimbabwe win
International century to help Zimbabwe pull off a brilliant seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first One-Day International on Sunday (August 2). That was after Ross Taylor (112 not out) and Kane Williamson (97) continued their spectacular form to help New Zealand rack up 303 for 4 after being inserted at the Harare Sports Club. However, Ervine's unbeaten 130 off 108 balls helped Zimbabwe chase down the tall target comfortably as it got to 304 for 3 in 49 overs. Ervine, promoted to No. 3 by Dav Whatmore, the coach, repaid the faith by going past his previous ODI best of 85. Zimbabwe began its chase well with Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhaha putting on 74 for the opening wicket in 14.5 overs. Nathan McCullum, the off-spinner, broke through when Chibhabha was castled for 42. Ervine then joined Masakadza and the duo utilised the good platform by further consolidating through a second-wicket stand that fetched Zimbabwe 120 runs. It was McCullum who st...