New Zealand's batsmen got a solid workout on the first day of their three-day match against a South African invitational team in Paarl as they finished on 311 for six.
A number of batsmen got starts, with skipper Brendon McCullum top-scoring with 65 and Kane Williamson hitting 59.
Positive batting from Peter Fulton and Martin Guptill got the side off to a decent start, with the pair putting on 80 for the first wicket before Fulton was caught at cover for 39 and Guptill was held at short mid-wicket for 42. Williamson and McCullum then added 108 for the third wicket before South Africa fought back through off-spinner Coin Ackermann who had Williamson caught behind, Daniel Flynn caught at mid-wicket for 23 and McCullum trapped in front.
James Franklin and BJ Watling consolidated with a 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Franklin was bowled for 37 during the final over of the day. Watling was unbeaten on 32.
Ackermann was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with three for 46 off 21 overs.
