Martin Guptill's continued domination of the Zimbabwe bowling steered New Zealand to a seven-wicket win with 19 balls to spare in the opening Twenty20 match at the Eden Park on Saturday.


Martin Guptill acknowledges the crowd after victory on Friday. Pic/AFP

Guptill's imperious 91 not out off 54 deliveries was the backbone of New Zealand's 160 for three, and along with Kane Williamson (48), they overtook Zimbabwe's 159 for eight in the 17th over.

The opener has seldom been troubled by the Zimbabweans and his 91 was his fifth successive half-century against the tourists following 51, 70, 77 and 85 in the Test and three ODIs.

He added 137 for the third wicket with Williamson after New Zealand made a shaky start to their run chase.