New Zealand v South Africa

At Auckland, February 13, 2004 (day/night). South Africa won by five wickets. Toss: South Africa. One-day international debut: M. H. W. Papps.

New Zealand, sent in on a slow, drop-in pitch, never really got going. Fleming did hit Nel for a four and six in the tenth over, but by the end of the next he had been run out by a direct hit from Ntini, fielding at short fine leg. Styris and Cairns added 91 for the fifth wicket, though both departed as they looked to lift the tempo. In reply, the South African openers laid an ideal foundation, allowing Dippenaar to play a solid anchor innings. Even so, the finish was tense: two wickets fell late on and Pollock struggled to make contact in the last over before South Africa slithered home with two balls to spare.

Man of the Match: G. C. Smith.