Zimbabwe have scored 329 for nine to edge past the BLACKCAPS by one wicket in the third and final One Day International at Bulawayo.
Although the BLACKCAPS had wrapped up the series Zimbabwe rescued some pride with a stunning 99 not out from Malcolm Waller proving the difference in a match that produced 657 runs.
The loss came despite the BLACKCAPS scoring commanding 328 for five after opting to bat first with centuries from Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson.
The vistors were in trouble at three for 41 with BJ Watling, Rob Nicol and Brendon McCullum out early but Taylor and Jesse Ryder led a recovery with an 83 run partnership.
Ryder was out for 53 with the score on 124 for four bringing Williamson to the crease with the young batsmen quickly getting into his work.
Along with Taylor he put on 195 for the fifth wicket off just 133 balls. Taylor was the first to bring up the milestone and was eventually bowled out with just two balls remaining for 119.
Williamson looked like he would miss out on the chance to raise the bat as he got set to face the final ball on 93. However, he hit a boundary off a Njabulo Ncube no-ball and then ran three off Elton Chigumbura who was brought on to bowl the final ball after Ncube was stood down by the umpires after hurling down a second illegally high delivery.
Captain Brendon Taylor who scored centuries in the first two ODIs was again in fine touch and set the tone for the run chase with a quick 75. Tatenda Taibu chipped in with 53 while Chigumbura played his part with 47 but it was the 74 ball blitz by Waller that guided Zimbabwe home. The aggressive middle order batsmen struck 10 fours and six with a strike rate of 133.78.
Jacob Oram was the best of the BLACKCAPS attack, both with wickets and economy, taking three for 44.
The BLACKCAPS take on a Zimbabwe Selection in a two-day warm up match starting Friday with the one-off Test match getting underway on Tuesday 1 November.
