New Zealand defeated South Africa by one wicket in a thrilling finish to the first one-day international of a three-game series at Boland Park on Saturday.

South Africa were dismissed for 208 before the Kiwis recovered from 140-8 to seal victory in the 46th over. James Franklin was the hero with 47 not out (off 61 balls) along with tailenders, Kyle Mills (26) and Nathan McCullum (24),  as the Kiwis reached the target in 45.4 overs.

Earlier, left-arm opening bowler Mitchell McClenaghan took four wickets to restrict South Africa.

McClenaghan took the key wickets of Graeme Smith and captain AB de Villiers and followed up with two lower order wickets to finish with four for 20 in his ten overs.

Part-time off-spinner Kane Williamson took four for 22 as the South African batsmen failed to master some steady bowling on a slow pitch.

Faf du Plessis made a dogged 57 off 71 balls to top-score for South Africa, while tailender Rory Kleinveldt hit three sixes off four balls from Kyle Mills in making all 26 runs in a last wicket stand with Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Brief Scores
SA 208 (F. du Plessis 57, R. McLaren 33; M. McClen-aghan 4-20, K. Williamson 4-22); NZ 209/9 (J. Franklin 47*, B.J. Watling 45; R. McLaren 4-46, R. Kleinveldt 2-37)