New Zealand cricket's new all-rounder George Worker has celebrated his debut with a man of the match performance in the Black Caps' one-off Twenty20 international win against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Central Stags' George Worker Photo: PHOTOSPORT
25 year old Worker blasted 62 from 38 balls in New Zealand's 198 for five, and they restricted Zimbabwe to 118 for eight.
Worker was a late addition to the New Zealand squad for their tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after Mitchell Santner was ruled out by a thumb injury.
The New Zealanders wound up their short limited overs tour of Zimbabwe with the 80-run win in Harare.
After losing the toss and being put into bat, the Black Caps set Zimbabwe a target of 199 for victory, and the hosts never looked threatening, losing a wicket in each of the first three overs.
Look back at live scoring here
New Zealand's 198 for five equalled the highest score in a T20 international in Zimbabwe.
With their top three all posting quick runs after they lost the toss and were asked to bat, New Zealand were dominant from start to finish in an entirely one-sided match, giving them the perfect send-off as they head to South Africa for two Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals.
"The way the boys batted today was outstanding - everyone played their role and George Worker was outstanding on debut," captain Kane Williamson said.
"The bowling performance was also the best of the tour, so I think we've progressed nicely with a new outfit and hopefully we can continue that in South Africa."
Worker came in at No.3 after Williamson had ensured a brisk start, and added 49 with opener Martin Guptill in 33 balls, before putting on another 49 with Luke Ronchi for the fourth wicket at an even quicker rate.
After striking four sixes and three fours, Worker finally perished when he advanced down the track and was bowled by Sean Williams, who was the only Zimbabwe bowler to escape major punishment as he took 3 for 28 in four overs.
Zimbabwe's reply never made it off the ground, with four of their top five failing to reach double figures as they slumped to 34 for four.
Craig Ervine was the only batsman capable of taking on a threatening New Zealand bowling display, but his 42 made little impact on such a hefty target.
Fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan were menacing even on a relatively placid pitch, with Milne recording figures of two for 10 from four overs in his first game for New Zealand since the World Cup quarter-final against West Indies in March.
