New Zealand's campaign in the triangular Academy tournament in Townsville ended with a five-wicket defeat by South Africa yesterday.

The New Zealanders batted first at their own choice, hoping to maintain the record of teams batting first having won all the previous games in the tournament.

However, they struggled against the South African attack. Friedel de Wet's first six overs yielded only 11 runs, and to the normally quickfire New Zealand batsmen it was a struggle.

At one stage New Zealand were struggling at 167/5. Jamie How had scored 45 off 65 balls and the consistent Rob Nicol 42 off 56 balls. Some impetus to the latter stages of the innings was given by Iain Robertson who scored 29 off 30 balls.

New Zealand were dismissed in the 49th over for 197.

De Wet took three for 23 off 9.5 overs and Alan Kruger took two for 41.

South Africa looked to be in trouble at 17/3, courtesy of an outstanding start to his bowling by James McMillan. His first five overs resulted in two wickets for only five runs. His final figures in the game were two for 17 off eight overs.

However, Davey Jacobs proved the key man in the game with an innings of 100 not out off 106 balls. He hit 11 fours and three sixes in an outstanding innings which combined caution as required and aggression when available. Gerhard Strydom gave him notable support with 32 off 36 balls.

South Africa reached 198 with five wickets down off the first ball of the 44th over.

Apart from McMillan, Joseph Yovich had one for 35 from 10 overs, Mark Gillespie one for 25 from seven and Jeetan Patel one for 44 off 10.

© CricInfo