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Parnell helps South Africa defeat New Zealand

  • Story Highlights
  • South Africa claimed a five-wicket victory over New Zealand at Centurion Park
  • Wayne Parnell took career-best one-day figures of five for 57 in the match
  • Ross Taylor top scored for New Zealand after he hit 72 from 106 balls
  • AB de Villiers' unbeaten 70 was the backbone of South Africa's innings
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(CNN) -- Wayne Parnell claimed career-best one-day figures to help South Africa to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in their ICC Champions Trophy clash at Centurion Park.

Jesse Ryder and Wayne Parnell

Wayne Parnell celebrates the wicket of Jesse Ryder in South Africa's five-wicket victory over New Zealand.

The Proteas slipped to defeat against Sri Lanka in their opening fixture of the tournament but they responded well against the Kiwis thanks largely to Parnell who finished with five for 57.

The 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler removed three top-order wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for 214 in 47.5 overs.

Ross Taylor was the pick of the New Zealand batsmen as he hit 72 from 106 balls before he was trapped lbw by Parnell.

Black Caps opener Brendon McCullum hit 44 in 68 balls before he was caught at short fine leg by JP Duminy off Johan Botha, while Grant Elliott (39) and Martin Guptill (21) were the only other batsmen to trouble the scorers.

South Africa lost captain Graeme Smith in the sixth over after he was caught by opposite number Daniel Vettori off the bowling of seamer Daryl Tuffey who would finish the pick of the New Zealand attack with two for 52.

Jacques Kallis added 36 before his attempted drive off Shane Bond was caught by wicketkeeper McCullum and Hashim Amla was then trapped lbw by Vettori for 38.

But AB de Villiers was in commanding form and his unbeaten 70 from 76 balls provided the backbone of the South African innings despite the departures of Duminy (11) and Mark Boucher (28).

Albie Morkel (19 not out) and de Villiers ensured there was no further loss and helped to steer the hosts to 217 for five to claim victory with 8.5 overs to spare.

Smith felt his bowlers reached a higher standard than in their opening match against Sri Lanka which ultimately proved crucial to the victory.

"Today was more of a level that we expect of each other and that we've got used to playing at. I think the bowlers today had the first go at it again and they really set the example beautifully," he said in the post-match press conference.

"Wayne Parnell and Dale Steyn up front bowled with the intensity we've been looking for, they hit the right areas and they created a lot of pressure.

"I think that's a credit to them the way they have bounced back and a credit to everybody that followed. It was a good clinical performance today and something that we have got used to at this level."

South Africa's next game in Group B is against England on September 27 while New Zealand are also in action against Sri Lanka on the same day.

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