A first-up loss

I feel ripped off. There is no worse place in the world to watch cricket from New Zealand than South Africa. And a night with too little sleep was all in vain as South Africa snuck to victory in the first one-dayer. New Zealand actually seemed to be on top for much of the game, but a rapid 73 from Justin Kemp took the match away from them at the end.

New Zealand's top order is still a bit of a weakness. Astle, Vincent and Marshall all went cheaply. Fleming looked in glorious touch, but went to a loose stroke after getting a good start. The top score came from McMillan who mostly nurdled sensibly with good assistance from Oram and McCullum. Andre Adams added 30 not out in a late flurry to take the side to 249/8.

Coming into the match New Zealand's bowling was meant to be its weakness. Bond and Vettori might be world class was the thinking, but the rest lag far behind. Bond was very rusty to start with, but started to bowl faster and straighter as he went on. Vettori was miserly while both Mills and Adams put in tight and accurate spells.

After the game Fleming admitted his side did not hold its chances, while grumpy Graeme Smith grumbled about the state of the wicket.