James Franklin cracked 47 not out to guide the BLACKCAPS to an outstanding one-wicket victory over South Africa in the first One Day International at Boland Park in Paarl.
Franklin, with support from Kyle Mills (26) and Nathan McCullum (24), saw New Zealand home when the tall left-hander smashed a four through the covers for the winning runs.
South African quick Ryan McLaren gave his side a chance when he bowled Mills with 22 runs still needed for victory, but Franklin and Mitchell McClenaghan defied the South African attack.
New Zealand got off to a difficult with Rob Nicol (4), Martin Guptill (0) and Kane Williamson (5) unable to offer any resistance but a 78-ball 45 from BJ Watling settled the innings and helped set up the brilliant victory.
McLaren was the pick of the South African bowlers as he finished with 4-46 from 8.4 overs.
Earlier, South Africa struggled to 208 all out, after McClenaghan and Williamson both grabbed four wickets as the Proteas were bowled out in the 47th over.
A gritting half-century from Faf du Plessis (57 off 72) and gritty 33 off 39 from Ryan McLaran with hightlights for the home team along with Rory Kleinveld who produced a late cameo.
The burly tail-ender hit Kyle Mills for three sixes in the 46th over before holing out to Kane Willimson for an entertaining 26 off 20 delieveries.
Williamson produced career best figures of four for 22 while 26-year old McClenaghan enjoyed a wonderful debut with the ball returning four for 20.
