South Africa 185-6 in New Zealand one-off Twenty20

By AFP

South Africa Hashim Amla of South Africa R bats as New Zealand wicketkeepter Luke Ronchi looks on during their Twenty20 match, at Eden Park in Auckland, on February 17, 2017. By Michael Bradley AFP

FEB 17, 2017 LISTEN

Hashim Amla of South Africa (R) bats as New Zealand wicketkeepter Luke Ronchi looks on during their Twenty20 match, at Eden Park in Auckland, on February 17, 2017. By Michael Bradley (AFP)

Auckland (AFP) - A half century from big-hitting opener Hashim Amla helped South Africa to 185 for six in the one-off Twenty 20 against New Zealand on Friday.

Amla made the most of the short boundaries at Auckland's Eden Park to smash 62 off 43 balls as the Proteas made a flying start in the first match of their New Zealand tour.

He received ample support from skipper Faf du Plessis (36) and JP Duminy (29) before the New Zealand attack hit back.

The South Africans looked set to make 200-plus but Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme put the brakes on with two wickets apiece.

Boult was particularly effective, conceding only eight runs in his four overs.