At Durban, December 21, 2012 (floodlit). South Africa won by eight wickets. Toss: New Zealand.
Twenty20 international debuts: H. Davids, Q. de Kock, C. H. Morris; C. J. Anderson, M. J.
McClenaghan, C. Munro, J. D. S. Neesham.
Both sides began afresh after disappointing World Twenty20 campaigns, blooding a rush of
debutants - South Africa had even appointed a new Twenty20 coach, 37-year-old Russell Domingo,
previously their assistant coach. Pre-tour fears that a callow New Zealand would be humiliated came
horribly true, yet it was neither lack of ability nor the intimidation factor which undid them. Instead,
they backed themselves too heavily. Even Twenty20 requires some degree of planning, yet New
Zealand assumed they could bat with complete abandon on an untrustworthy surface. By the time
Peterson came on, they were 36 for five, and he proceeded to earn South Africa's most economical
four-over analysis. Levi's fifth-ball departure - nicking to slip off debutant Mitchell McClenaghan -
was New Zealand's sole moment of hope, before du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, captain and
wicketkeeper respectively in the absence of A. B. de Villiers, completed the most routine of victories.
South Africa's only sour note came when debutant all-rounder Chris Morris limped off with a
hamstring strain.
Man of the Match: R. K. Kleinveldt.