The big winner from Black Caps' tour

Tom Latham had a stand-up tour for South Africa. Photo / AP

Mark down Tom Latham as one of New Zealand's big winners from their three-game ODI series against South Africa.

In the course of the 2-1 series loss, lefthand opener Latham rattled up scores of 60, 64 and 54 all at a highly acceptable run rate.

Remember the World Cup this year, where Latham was permanently on the bench, as Martin Guptill, captain Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor were the top order locks.

Latham already has his test opening spot secure, averaging 39 with two centuries and five fifties in 11 matches.

When McCullum returns during the home summer, expect him to resume his opening arrangement with Guptill. But the clock is ticking on McCullum and Latham appeals as the next cab in line.

Kudos also go to speedster Adam Milne, who has recovered from the injury which cut short his World Cup. He worked up good speed and picked up five wickets in the three games against the South Africans.

South Africa move up to third spot on the ICC ODI rankings with their 62-run win at Durban early today.

New Zealand's downfall, chasing 283 for seven, came with the loss of two clumps of wickets.

From 102 for one in the 24th over, New Zealand lost three for 15, then three for 14 as South Africa grabbed their chance.

While the South Africans will take some meagre satisfaction out of avenging their World Cup semifinal loss, it's small consolation for the pain they felt at Eden Park last March.

Acting captain Kane Williamson has enjoyed his stint as skipper and believes important lessons have been learnt, and new players blooded.

George Worker and Ben Wheeler - on his second tour after visiting England a few weeks back - spring to mind.

"Overall this tour has been of great benefit to the team as a whole," Williamson said.

New Zealand now turn their sights a few thousand kilometres to the west and a three-test trip to Australia.

It is the first series against them in four years. The African tour - which also included a 2-1 ODI win over Zimbabwe - won't have aided preparation significantly as it was a solely limited-overs tour.

Still, there's plenty of time for planning to take on an Australian side which is likely to look rather less formidable than in recent years. Then again, that's a mental trap New Zealand are unlikely to fall into.