SA whip Kiwis to enter final

South Africa produced the best one-day cricket of their Australian tour to outclass New Zealand in Perth and romp into the final of the tri-nations series limited-overs tournament.

The Proteas, after being sent in by New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, smacked 270 for five wickets - the highest total of the series - at the WACA ground before limiting the Kiwis to 203 for eight wickets as they crashed to their third defeat in a row.

South Africa snatched a priceless bonus point, as well as the four standard points for winning, because of the big margin of their win and moved to the top of the ladder with 18 points -- one ahead of New Zealand.

In Sunday's last qualifying match of the series, Australia, currently on 13 points, must beat South Africa win and capture a bonus point to earn a place in the final ahead of New Zealand.

If Australia win but fail to get a bonus point, they will finish level with New Zealand, who would qualify for the final because of their 3-1 head-to-head winning record against the hosts in this competition.

Australia, World Cup one-day champions, have failed only twice to reach the final of the annual one-day tournament since it began more than 20 years ago.

Only Craig McMillan (46, 43b, 5x4, 1x6) showed glimpses of form with the bat as the Kiwis struggled under the lights.

South Africa's innings was salvaged by middle-order batsman Jonty Rhodes, who rescued his side with a fighting century as the Proteas rallied after being reduced to 35 for four in the 12th over.

Rhodes scored a century and Shaun Pollock smashed six sixes as South Africa recovered from a poor start.

Rhodes scored an unbeaten 107 off 135 balls while Pollock made 69 not out off just 34 balls.

The South Africans had looked to be in deep trouble after New Zealand bowler Dion Nash picked up the wickets of Herschelle Gibbs, Neil McKenzie and Jacques Kallis to have the Proteas reeling at 35 for four in the 13th over.

But Rhodes then carefully rebuilt the innings with two big partnerships.

Rhodes and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher added 138 for the fifth wicket before Boucher went for 58 with the total on 173, chipping a simple catch to Nathan Astle at mid-wicket.

Rhodes went on to reach his second one-day century off 130 balls before Pollock unleashed himself in the final three overs after being given a life on 27.

Scorecard: South Africa: 270/5 | New Zealand: 203/8

Mail Cricket Editor