'For the first time, I saw genuine fear in Australia. They might have lost a Test they had dominated'

New Zealand took great satisfaction from their execution of a plan, almost laughable in its simplicity, which nearly added another colourful chapter to Test cricket's book of surprises

At Brisbane, November 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

At Hobart, November 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

At Perth, November 30, December 1, 2, 3, 4

Hailstones, cyclonic hitting from Chris Cairns and Lou Vincent, and some searing pace bowling from Andre Adams all thwarted their progress

Winning the one day finals in no way makes up for being thrashed in the Test series but South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock sees it as a sign his team can rise above adversity.

New Zealand was once again lamenting a 10-over lapse against South Africa after their opening one-day cricket final last night at the MCG.

If it stops raining here by tomorrow morning, the second tri-series final will go ahead as scheduled, according to Sydney Cricket Ground curator Tom Parker.

New Zealand all-rounder Dion Nash has been ruled out of tomorrow's second tri-series cricket final against South Africa.