MOUNT MAUNGANUI: South Africa defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the first one-day international at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval on Tuesday.

The Proteas ended their innings at 4-236 to easily overhaul the 231 target that New Zealand set after losing the toss and being sent in to bat.

Captain AB de Villiers top-scored for South Africa with an unbeaten 89, while JP Duminy finished on 58 not out.

Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi was New Zealand's best performer with a defiant 99.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2014