A brilliant innings from Luke Ronchi has given New Zealand some respectability in the first one day international cricket match against South Africa in Tauranga.
Luke Ronchi Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Caps were dismissed for 230 after 45 overs with Ronchi's 99 from 83 balls saving them from a terrible start.
He combined with the number 11, Trent Boult (21 not out), to add 74 a record partnership for the 10th wicket for New Zealand, before being caught behind off Dale Steyn a run short of his maiden ODI hundred.
New Zealand struggled early, with the openers Jimmy Neesham (5) and Martin Guptill (16) failing to get going.
Dean Brownlie (24) and the captain Brendon McCullum (16) both got starts before being dismissed in quick succession, followed shortly after by Corey Anderson for a duck to leave the Black Caps reeling at 68 for five.
Ronchi managed to get a partnership going with Tom Latham, before the latter was stumped on 29.
Daniel Vettori didn't spend long at the crease in his comeback to international cricket as he was trapped leg before wicket by the spinner Imran Tahir for a duck.
The wickets were evenly shared amongst the South African bowlers with Tahir, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Ryan McLaren each snaring two.
