At Christchurch, March 5. South Africa won by 64 runs. Toss: West Indies. The South African bowlers took full advantage of a quick pitch by New Zealand standards and, aided by some reckless shots from the West Indian top order, they ended this long-awaited first encounter level on points in the table. Their batting was disappointing, with Wessels going early and Kirsten again the only significant contributor. His 56 from 91 balls, with a runner, made him the leading run-scorer in the tournament, but even he scored only two fours and a five. Yet the unease caused by Ambrose and Marshall was nothing to the havoc unleashed by Pringle. He had Lara caught low at point, with the score on ten; when it reached 19, Pringle removed Richardson, Hooper and Arthurton. The four wickets took him only 11 balls. Logie attempted to regain the initiative – he struck four fours in an over off Kuiper – and Haynes gave him brave support after being hit twice on his right forefinger, which was already in a splint. He retired, intending to go to hospital, but when two more wickets fell he returned. Only, when he and Logie fell in the same over could South Africa feel safe, but they dismissed West Indies for their lowest total in the World Cup.

Man of the Match: M. W. Pringle. Attendance: 12,116.

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