Captain AB de Villiers made a match-winning century as South Africa overcame the loss of three early wickets to claim a six-wicket win over New Zealand in their one-day international on Saturday.
Set 254 to win at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, De Villiers hit an unbeaten 106 to steer his side home in the 46th over to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
New Zealand, hoping to bounce back after blowing the chance to win the Twenty20 series between the sides on Wednesday, made 9-253 but, despite being reduced to 3-35 inside 10 overs, the Proteas inflicted more misery on the hosts.
De Villiers chalked up his 13th one-day century as he and JP Duminy (46) put on 90 for the fourth wicket before a brutal innings of 66 from Faf du Plessis helped seal the win with 28 balls left.
Things looked bright for the home side after they removed openers Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith with the score on 17 and, when Jacques Kallis top-edged a hook off Doug Bracewell, they were rocking.
But De Villiers and Duminy came to rescue and the belligerent Du Plessis, who plundered nine fours and a six in his 49-ball innings, helped wrap things up.
Earlier, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson both made fifties after the hosts won the toss.
McCullum top-scored with 56 after twice having dismissals overturned by the television umpire.
He and Williamson (55) added 79 for the third wicket after they had lost form opener Martin Guptill early and partner Nicol was pedestrian in making 30.
McCullum enjoyed a charmed life after he shouldered arms to his first ball to be given out lbw and was then caught behind off Robin Peterson before gaining reprieves after video reviews.
He brought up his 21st one-day fifty but, soon after, Peterson gained his revenge to take a fine catch in the deep.
Williamson looked good but fell in the 42nd over when the hosts were looking to put the foot down.
James Franklin, who passed a fitness test before play after dislocating a finger at practice, added 32 but the New Zealand tail failed to find the rope with any regularity.
Pace spearhead Dale Steyn proved a handful, working up a good head of speed, hitting both Nicol and McCullum in the process and picking up a late wicket late.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe finished with 2-41 while Jacques Kallis, who removed both McCullum and Jesse Ryder, ended with 2-45 as did Peterson.
Of the New Zealand bowlers only Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum escaped punishment from De Villiers and Du Plessis with Nicol leaking 43 runs from his five overs.
The second match of the series is in Napier on Wednesday.
