Sport

Martin Guptill on the improve

11:54 am on 21 August 2015

The New Zealand cricketers are hopeful opening batsman Martin Guptill will be able to play in the remaining matches of their South African tour.

The Black Caps batsman Martin Guptill during the Cricket World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Guptill injured his hand while trying to take a catch in Thursday's 20-run loss to the Proteas in the first ODI at Centurion.

He went for an MRI scan on his left hand and there is no fracture.

A team spokesman says Guptill will be monitored daily with a hope that he can still play a part in the series.

The Black Caps were beaten by 20 runs in the first one-day international against South Africa at Centurion.

Kane Williamson in action in South Africa 2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

After being asked to bat first, the Proteas scored 304 for seven, with Hashim Amla making 124.

Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan took two wickets each.

New Zealand was bowled out for 284 in the 49th over.

Guptill injured his wrist in the field and decided not to open the batting, his replacement Luke Ronchi made just one.

Tom Latham top-scored with 60, Kane Williamson 47, Jimmy Neesham 41 and Guptill 25 coming in at number four.

The Black Caps were always struggling to stay up with the required run-rate especially as they lost wickets in the middle of the innings.

Captain Kane Williamson says the way the boys stuck at it with the ball was a good effort. "It's always a fine line with white ball cricket. If we could have carried a partnership or two, it would have been interesting. But we were outplayed."

He says there are some areas to touch on and South Africa are a top side and we had to be at our best to beat them.

"It's always about adapting."

The second of three games is in Potchefstroom on Sunday night.