17 Feb 2012

Black Caps beat South Africa

10:29 pm on 17 February 2012

New Zealand has beaten South Africa in the first of their Twenty20 cricket clashes.

South Africa batted first in Wellington on Friday night and scored 147 for six off their 20 overs.

For New Zealand, pace bowler Tim Southee took 4-28 from his four overs.

He was supported by the spinners Nathan McCullum, Rob Nicol, Ronnie Hira and Kane Williamson, who helped restrict the visitors scoring, although Williamson did go for 26 off one of his overs.

Martin Guptil led the run chase for New Zealand, scoring 78 not out as the home side got home with four balls to spare.

Guptil had a strike rate of 125 runs per hundred balls and hit four sixes.

The teams next meet in Hamilton on Sunday.

Scores: South Africa 147 for six. New Zealand 148 for four off 19.2 overs.

NZ women beaten

Earlier, England thrashed the New Zealand women's cricket team by six wickets in their Twenty20 match at the Basin Reserve.

The tourists won the toss and sent the White Ferns in to bat and the hosts made a mere 80 for 9. Just three players reached double figures.

Central Districts' Kate Broadmore top scored with 27.

England bowler Anya Shrubsole nabbed a five wicket bag for just 11 runs off her four overs.

England cruised to the target of 81 with eight balls remaining.