After nine consecutive defeats on tour Zimbabwe finally managed to beat New Zealand by one run in Christchurch in 1998.

A month away from one-day action benefited Zimbabwe, who had their first success in a significant match after nine weeks away from home.

They set a useful target of 229 on a slow pitch, with Murray Goodwin and Guy Whittall leading the way. New Zealand still seemed to be heading for an easy win when Llorne Howell and Nathan Astle (69) shared an opening stand of 125 at five runs an over.

Howell hit 12 fours and a six in his 71-ball 68. Then the slow bowlers Dirk Viljoen (2-31) and Paul Strang (3-44) accounted for them both and frustrated the other batsmen.

From 168-6, Chris Harris (22) and wicketkeeper Adam Parore (25) launched a recovery. But when Harris fell to Strang, the last pair had to get 10 from one over. Four were needed off the last ball, but Daniel Vettori could only manage two into the covers.