Kiwis' nail-biting win
New Zealand defeated South Africa by one wicket in a thrilling finish to the first one-day international of a three-game series at Boland Park on Saturday.
South Africa were dismissed for 208 before the Kiwis recovered from 140-8 to seal victory in the 46th over.
Earlier, left-arm opening bowler Mitchell McClenaghan took four wickets on his debut as New Zealand bowled out South Africa cheaply.
McClenaghan took the key wickets of Graeme Smith and captain AB de Villiers and followed up with two lower-order wickets to finish with four for 20 in his 10 overs.
Part-time off-spinner Kane Williamson took four for 22 as the South African batsmen failed to master some steady bowling on a slow pitch.
Faf du Plessis made a dogged 57 off 71 balls to top-score for South Africa, while tail-ender Rory Kleinveldt hit three sixes off four balls from Kyle Mills in making all 26 runs in a last wicket stand with Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Brendon McCullum's decision to send South Africa in to bat paid dividends when the home side's three most experienced batsmen, Smith, Hashim Amla and de Villiers were dismissed within the first 12 overs.
All three senior players were trapped in front.
Comments