Black Caps in emphatic win over Proteas

The Black Caps, with half centuries from Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, have completed their dress rehearsal for the Cricket World Cup with an emphatic 134-run win over South Africa in Christchurch.

In a warm-up match at Hagley Park, where New Zealand will open the tournament against Sri Lanka on Saturday, the home side piled on 8-331 in their 50 overs.

South Africa stumbled early in their chase, before JP Duminy (80) and Vernon Philander (57) put on a 121-run stand for the seventh wicket.

But victory always looked beyond the Proteas and they were bowled out for 197 in the 45th over.

South Africa open their World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe in Hamilton on Sunday.

In an at-times leisurely encounter on Wednesday, New Zealand won the toss and there were contributions right down the batting order but only McCullum and Williamson managed to push on past 50.

Both scored at quicker than a run a ball, with opener McCullum hitting eight boundaries including a six before being bowled by left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso for 59.

Williamson got to 66 when he mis-hit a catch to mid-on off paceman Philander.

Both sides named their full squads for the match, although the Proteas rested strike bowler Dale Steyn.

Skipper AB De Villiers, back in the side after getting over a hip complaint, used eight bowlers, with Philander and back-up seamers Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell each picking up two wickets.

In reply, South Africa were left floundering at 4-31 after pace bowler Trent Boult, who finished with a five-wicket bag, grabbed three early scalps.

When veteran spinner Dan Vettori claimed the prized wicket of de Villiers for 24 and then had Parnell caught, the Proteas had slumped to 6-62.

Duminy and Philander began their rescue effort, but when Duminy departed, New Zealand quickly wrapped up the innings.

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