WELLINGTON: New Zealand scored 253 for nine off their 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first in the opening one-day international against South Africa at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Brendon McCullum top scored with 56 and Kane Williamson made 55 while Lonwabo Tsotsobe took two for 41 for South Africa.
Earlier New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat in the opening one-day international against South Africa.
The Wellington wicket traditionally favours the team batting second but New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the pitch looked different and "we want to put a good total on the board".
The three-match ODI series follows the three Twenty20 matches won by South Africa 2-1.
