Cricket: Vincent's 172 leads NZ to victory in Zimbabwe

Lou Vincent cracked the highest one-day cricket innings by a New Zealand batsman as his team plundered 397 for five against Zimbabwe in the tri-series opener in Bulawayo today.

Vincent's stunning 172 led New Zealand to their highest total -- scored off just 44 overs after the match was reduced due to a damp pitch.

They fell just short of Sri Lanka's world record total of 398, set against Kenya, when Brendon McCullum could only manage a single off the final ball. He ended 51 not out off 22 balls.

New Zealand's previous best was 349 against India at Rajkot in 1999-00.

Zimbabwe's attack contained former captain Heath Streak and experienced allrounder Andy Blignaut, but they had no answer.

Vincent broke the 20-year New Zealand record held by Glenn Turner of 171 not out against East Africa at the 1975 World Cup at Birmingham.

He faced just 119 balls, hit 16 fours and nine sixes before being brilliantly caught on the square leg boundary by Prosper Utseya in the 40th over.

It was Vincent's first one-day international century in his 63rd match as he and captain Stephen Fleming broke the New Zealand one-day opening partnership record against all countries.

Their 204-run stand off 27.5 overs beat Fleming and Nathan Astle's 193 against Pakistan in Dunedin in 2000-01.

Astle was ruled out of today's match with a finger injury but Vincent stepped into the opening role with ease.

Relishing the wayward bowling and fast outfield, Vincent reached 50 off 40 balls then reached three figures off just 81 deliveries.

Fleming hit 93 off 87 balls with eight fours and four sixes before chipping a catch off debutant Anthony Ireland.

The match was reduced to 44 overs a side after a 70-minute delay due to a damp pitch, which encouraged Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu to bowl first.

- NZPA