The Black Caps hold a 21-run lead at the close of play following an outstanding day in the field, while the top order made the most of their opportunities.

The Kiwis won the toss and sent South Africa in to bat first. The decision proved to be the correct one as the visitors were bundled out for a meager 95 runs.

The New Zealand seamer, Matt Henry, was the star of the show on his home field with a career-best 7/23 in 15 overs.

Only the Western Province duo of Zubayr Hamza with 25 and Kyle Verreynne with 18 manage to trouble the scorers. Aiden Markram and the debutant, Sarel Erwee, were the only other batters to manage double figures with the bat.

At the close of play, New Zealand was on 116/3 after 39 overs.

Henry Nicholls with 37* and the South African-born Devon Conway with 36 led the charge for the Black Caps with the bat.

South Africa, apart from disappointing performance with the bat, their fielding was also poor and they dropped no less than four catches.

When stumps were called, Duanne Olivier, was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/36 in 8 overs, while Marco Jansen had 1/11 in his 8 overs.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport