New Zealand v South Africa, 2011-12

At Auckland, March 3, 2012 (day/night). South Africa won by five wickets. Toss: South Africa. One-day international debuts: C. de Grandhomme; M. de Lange.

South Africa's thumping wins in the previous two games at least contained moments of suspense. Not this time. New Zealand coach John Wright admitted his team were distracted by the banning of Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell, who had become involved in an altercation with a man in a bar - though their technical breach of team etiquette had been to drink alcohol while injured. It was the latest disciplinary indiscretion of Ryder's troubled career. New Zealand's batting was anaemic and lacked belief or intent, quite the opposite of Marchant de Lange's bowling, which exploded with youthful ferocity and manful pace. Brendon McCullum, the only senior batsman, seemed overburdened by the responsibility and never managed to break the shackles. In his first 50-over international, the Zimbabwe-born Colin de Grandhomme briefly illustrated his ball-striking ability. Amla made certain there were no wobbles chasing a junior total, and Albie Morkel's aggressive 41 stopped him wondering why he was on the tour. But as a contest, the match never started.

Man of the Match: M. de Lange.