Matiu Workman
at Eden Park
It was another match and another international half century to Martin Guptill as New Zealand successfully chased down Zimbabwe's 159-8 in style.
On the other side of the pitch, moments of brilliance from Zimbabwe's shot-making batsmen were undone by some characteristically awful pieces of fielding that only emphasised the gulf between the two teams in this tour.
Just as typical was Guptill's consistency as he notched up his sixth consecutive international half century as he extended an already impressive purple patch, with his 91 not out coming from just 54 balls.
It was his partnership with Kane Williamson (48), that was just as vital for the hosts as they coasted to a 137-run partnership for the third wicket.
Kyle Jarvis (2-25 from two overs) was the only successful wicket taker for the tourists, while Keegan Meth (0-13 from two) was the most economical bowler.
After being set 160 for victory, New Zealand got off to a comfortable start before Nicol was bowled by Kyle Jarvis for 12.
Kiwi hearts were firmly in their mouths when Jarvis had the prize wicket of New Zealand captain Brendan McCullum for a golden duck as New Zealand stuttered to 15-2.
But that fear was soon replaced by jubilation as the Kiwi opener found his rhythm to the delight of the crowd of just over 9,000 at Eden Park.
It didn't take long for Guptill to reach his half century - just 27 deliveries - and he certainly didn't decelerate upon reaching the milestone, with his next scoring shot registering six runs to the delight of the increasingly chilly Eden Park crowd.
The 100-run partnership for the third wicket was then achieved from 63 deliveries and left the hosts requiring 45 from just under a run-a-ball for victory.
New Zealand, however, refused to hang around as Guptill continued his hot scoring spree to finish unbeaten on 91 as a comfortable two saw the result formally ended by seven wickets with 19 balls remaining.
The second and final Twenty20 International will be played at Hamilton's Seddon Park on Tuesday before South Africa begin their Kiwi-conquering quest.