Cricket: Black Caps happy with win

The Black Caps are happy they have opened their South African tour with a win in a limited-overs game.

New Zealand beat South Africa A by 19 runs overnight.

The Black Caps opening four batsmen were dismissed for just 42 runs but they went on to make 273 for 9. The South African side had reached 199 for 4 before rain came with seven overs remaining, handing victory to New Zealand by the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Craig McMillan, who made 105, said the victory was a very good start to the tour "both individually and as a team because we haven't been here so long and we've only got the two warm-up games so it was very important to get things working right away".

He said the pitch was a bit up and down and he thought the South African opening bowlers bowled very well.

"But we knew we needed just one partnership somewhere and me and James [Marshall] were fortunately able to put on a substantial partnership.

"Because there are only two warm-up games I was pleased to get straight into form and I've been looking forward to this tour for a long time.

"We've got plenty of all-rounders and batters lower down the order and we've all got various jobs. So whenever we're in trouble, hopefully someone puts their hand up and luckily it was me today."

- NZPA