Guptill still among runs

In-form New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill wants to ride the wave of success as long as he can.

He was the outstanding batsman of the first one-day international in Dunedin, his innings of 70 off 66 balls against Zimbabwe on a lively pitch the mainstay of the Black Caps' innings of 248.

It has been a golden summer for Guptill and he has now scored 1821 runs (average 39) in 55 internationals with two centuries and 13 half-centuries.

"I'll ride the wave for as long as I can," he said. "I was pretty grumpy when I got out. I had the perfect opportunity to get a really big score."

Guptill said he tried to keep his technique as simple as possible.

"I just try to keep things simple and stick to my game plan. I try to play straight early in my innings and expand my game later. I try not to get too far ahead of myself.

"At the moment I just feel in control of my emotions on the field and that's probably because I've scored a few runs this summer.

"I've just had some good confidence over the past few months and I'm backing my ability more. If I can keep that going through the summer I should be successful."

Captain Brendon McCullum said he believed Guptill was starting to mature as an international cricketer.

"He's been a little modest about himself. He's starting to put into practice the experience he has had as an international cricketer an d most of the guys around the country are a bit afraid of bowling at him."

Guptill was responsible for New Zealand's brisk start in Dunedin on Friday after they slumped to five for two. He and Kane Williamson added 88 before Guptill was bowled by Elton Chigumbura in the 25th over.