/ 3 March 2012

SA win third one-day match by five wickets

South Africa beat New Zealand by five wickets in the third one-day international on Saturday, sweeping the series 3-0 to take a firm psychological advantage into the three-Test series starting on Wednesday.

Marchant de Lange took 4-46 as South Africa bowled out New Zealand for 206 in 47 overs, dismissing the home side inside 50 overs for the second-straight match.

In reply, South Africa coasted to victory with 40 balls to spare, with opener Hashim Amla again being the top-scorer with 76.

Captain AB de Villiers clinched the win with a six from the second ball of the 44th over.

South Africa won both of the first two one-day internationals by six wickets and has now won five straight matches against New Zealand after winning the three-match Twenty20 series 2-1. – Sapa-AP