Captain de Villiers guides South Africa to easy win

The New Zealand innings was built around a 79-run stand by McCullum and Kane Williamson for the third wicket after the hosts had started slowly, creeping to 75 for two in the first 20 overs.

The next 75 runs took less than 13 overs but the loss of McCullum, and the quick departure of big-hitting Jesse RyderJesse Ryder (6) soon after put the brakes on the New Zealand charge.

McCullum had a charmed life and was saved three times by television replays on his way to 56 off 67 balls.

Williamson, who was content to look for the singles, appeared intent on batting through the innings and reached his 55 in 69 balls when he had an uncharacteristic slash at Lonwabo Tsotsobe and was caught behind.

Opener Rob Nicol made 30 while James Franklin added 32 in the middle of the innings.

Tsotsobe was the most economical of the South African bowlers with two for 41 and Peterson and Kallis both finished with two for 45.

The second match in the series is in Napier on Wednesday.WELLINGTON: South African captain AB de Villiers compiled a superb century to lead his side to an easy six wicket win over New Zealand in the opening one-day international at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

“We did really well in the field to restrict them to 250. They had a couple of partnerships going but they didn’t extend them and we kept picking up wickets at the right times,” he said.

“I thought I constructed my innings quite well which was important in the conditions on this pitch.

“We finished up with a win but, feet on the ground, we have two more big games to come.”