Guptill, rain save New Zealand in World Cup warm-up

CHRISTCHURCH: Opener Martin Guptill hit a fighting hundred before rain saved New Zealand´s shambolic batting in a World Cup warm-up game against a spirited Zimbabwe on Monday.

Guptill hit the 86-ball century as New Zealand wilted to 157-7 in 30.1 overs after winning the toss, before heavy rain washed out the match.

Seamers Elton Chigumbura (2-21) and Tinashe Panyangara (2-28) jolted the New Zealand batting, with wickets falling at regular intervals at Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

New Zealand´s batting stars Brendon McCullum (eight) and Kane Williamson (six) fell by the fifth over, before Guptill added 43 with Ross Taylor, who made 11.

Guptill hit 13 boundaries and two sixes before he fell to part-timer Sikander Raza just before rain brought the game to an end.

New Zealand open their World Cup campaign in Group A with a game against Sri Lanka at Christchurch on February 14, while Zimbabwe meet South Africa in Group B match at Hamilton a day later. (AFP)