POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa), Oct 16: New Zealand, led magnificently from the front by their century-making captain Stephen Fleming, secured a comfortable 103-run victory over South Africa ‘A’ here on Sunday.

The New Zealanders scored 231-9 in their 50 overs on a sluggishly paced pitch on a hot day in South Africa’s North West province.

Some fine bowling by the touring team’s Nathan Astle and Andre Adams helped halt the South African ‘A’s momentum and they struggled to 128 all out in the 34th over of their innings.

Fast bowler Shane Bond took advantage of the pressure built up by Astle and Adams to finish with 5-37 in a little under six overs.

Earlier, Fleming made an elegant century featuring some beautiful stroke-play, to anchor the New Zealand innings.

He notched up 16 boundaries in a 115-ball stay at the crease, but received little support from his fellow top order batsmen who struggled to adjust to the slow pitch and hot conditions.

Seam bowler Johan van der Wath starred for the South Africans picking up four wickets in his 10 overs.

There was good support for him from fellow quick bowlers Dale Steyn and Albie Morkel, but their efforts ultimately proved in vain.

New Zealand play the senior South African side in a Twenty-20 international at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.

They play the first of five One-day Internationals in Bloemfontein next Sunday.

Scores:

NEW ZEALAND 231-9 (Stephen Fleming 100; Johan van der Wath 4-31); SOUTH AFRICA ‘A’ 128 (Shane Bond 5-37).—AFP