New Zealand's path to the finals of the tri-series in Australia was made a little more difficult when South Africa won the second match of the Adelaide yesterday.

It is still possible that New Zealand can miss the finals. South Africa breathed life back into their campaign with the win while it is tempting realities for New Zealand to record five successive victories in ODIs against Australia.

But that is what the side must do tomorrow in Melbourne when playing Australia if they are to secure their place in the finals.

Newspaper comment on both sides of the Tasman picked through the bones of New Zealand's defeat.

The New Zealand Herald: "Having lost Saturday night's batting star Nathan Astle to the first ball he received, New Zealand were always paddling upstream during the chase and in the end left their lower order too much work to do in too short a period of time.

"Only captain Stephen Fleming, who grafted to 43, could make a meaningful contribution with the bat as South Africa took full advantage of a wearing pitch and moved into second place on the points table with 13. New Zealand have 17 and Australia 9.

"Earlier in the day, New Zealand appeared to have the South African innings in a straitjacket at the midway point, but in circumstances similar to Saturday night's effort, the batsmen managed to wriggle free and unleash several match-deciding overs of carnage.

"From a modest 82 for two at the 25-over mark, the solid platform from Herschelle Gibbs (89) paid a rich dividend down the stretch as South Africa piled on 111 in the final 10 overs.

"Most of the damage was inflicted by the scything blade of wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who smashed 57 off a mere 32 balls, but there was plenty of destruction coming from the other end as well, with Jonty Rhodes cracked a quickfire 55.

"Together the pair added 86 in a breathtaking 7.3 overs, their running between the wickets - including 15 singles and 11 twos - almost as much of a feature as their big hitting."

Sydney Morning Herald: "South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher put a blowtorch to the belly of the New Zealand bowling yesterday and brought a simmering innings to a violent boil in the one-day international at the Adelaide Oval.

"With his side requiring at least two wins from three games to make the finals, Boucher (57no off 32 balls) conspired with Jonty Rhodes (55 off 54) to lead a flurry that delivered 111 runs from the last 10 overs for a total of 5-253.

"New Zealand were dismissed for 160, giving South Africa a bonus point and putting them ahead of Australia. Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming provided the only resistance, scoring 43.

"New Zealand had restricted South Africa to 142 after 40 overs but the Proteas had seven wickets in hand.

"That platform had been established through the cautious deeds of opener Herschelle Gibbs, who resisted his tendency towards self-inflicted injury until the 43rd over, by which time he had compiled 89.

"Boucher and Rhodes then put on 86 in a 45-ball blitzkrieg that put deep cracks in New Zealand's composure.

"Rhodes raised his 50 when dropped to one knee and swept Chris Cairns into the crowd, as the Kiwi all-rounder conceded 39 from his last two overs."

The Australian: "Left-arm spinner Nicky Boje took 4-31 after man-of-the-match Mark Boucher's batting fireworks helped South Africa defeat New Zealand by 93 runs in their tri-series day-night clash at the Adelaide Oval.

"The victory lifted South Africa to 13 points and second spot on the tri-series table behind New Zealand (17) and enabled them to leapfrog Australia (nine).

"Each side has two more matches before the best-of-three finals series starts on February 6 in Melbourne.

"Boucher scored the second fastest international limited overs half-century on Australian soil to set up the huge win.

"South Africa overcame a sluggish start to make 5-253 in their 50 overs and then dismissed the Kiwis for 160 in the 46th over, earning a bonus point.

"After a late barrage by Boucher (57 not out off 32 balls) and Jonty Rhodes (55 from 54 balls) set up the demanding South African total, the Kiwis never looked like getting close in their run-chase on a difficult pitch.

"NZ opener Nathan Astle, who made 95 against Australia yesterday, was out for a golden duck, caught behind off Proteas skipper Shaun Pollock on the fourth ball of the innings."

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