At Auckland, February 29. New Zealand won by seven wickets. Toss: South Africa. The South Africans' return to Auckland after nearly 28 years was a disappointment. Instead of the bounce they had exploited in Sydney, they were confronted with the same slow pitch on which Australia had succumbed a week before. The spectacle of an off-spinner with the new ball had lost little of its surprise value; Patel conceded 13 runs in his opening seven overs, and bowled Hudson in his third. The faster Watson was just as effective. When Cronje went to Harris's first ball, South Africa were 29 for three, and they needed the experience of Kirsten– originally excluded from the World Cup selection. Greatbatch, recalled to open for New Zealand after Wright's injury, ended his poor run with 68 in 60 balls, including three sixes. With Latham he put on 103 in the first 15 overs, while the number of players in the outfield was restricted. New Zealand swept back to the top of the table with 15.3 overs to spare.

Man of the Match: M. J. Greatbatch. Attendance: 27,450.

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