South Africa thrash NZ by 8 wkts in first final

South Africa continued their one-day domination of New Zealand in Melbourne on Wednesday with a crushing eight-wicket win in the opening final of the tri-nations series.

In a clash watched by only 20,691 fans following Australia's shock elimination from the series, South Africa romped to victory with 191 for two with 29 balls to spare in reply to New Zealand's paltry 190.

It was South Africa's 17th win over New Zealand in 18 one-day clashes between the countries and could be enough to decide the best-of-three series.

The second and third finals scheduled for the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday and Sunday remain in doubt because of unseasonal rain in New South Wales.

Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini was South Africa's match-winner with his second five-wicket haul in a one-day international. He was on a hat-trick at one stage.

Ntini, bowling with great pace and hostility, snapped up 5 for 31 from 10 overs after snaring Dion Nash and Adam Parore with successive balls in the 44th over.

South Africa's top order took few risks in reaching their victory from 45.1 overs.

Boeta Dippenaar, who survived a caught behind appeal on six, top scored with an unbeaten 79. He shared a 139-run partnership for the third wicket with Jacques Kallis, who was 59 not out.

The Kiwis believed paceman Chris Cairns had Dippenaar caught behind at the start of the 17th over, but umpire Daryl Harper put a hand to his ear, indicating he heard no snick.

Cairns exchanged words with Dippenaar when he reached 50, apparently indicating he felt the South African number four should have walked.

Officials said Cairns was later ordered to appear before match referee Hanumant Singh of India on what was believed to be a dissent charge.

South African openers Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten gave their side a solid start, taking the score to 51 after 13 overs before Craig McMillan, in his follow-through, deflected the ball on to the stumps at the non-striker's end and had Kirsten run out.

McMillan top-scored for New Zealand with 73 and shared in a 109-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Stephen Fleming, who made 50 after winning the toss.

But tail-ender Andre Adams was the only other New Zealand batsman to reach double figures, hitting 13 off 15 balls.

Thousands of fans stayed away after the host nation was knocked out of the annual contest's showdown for only the third time in more than 20 years.

Detailed scorecard | Images

Mail Cricket Editor