Captain Jesse Ryder has made a sound return to cricket, leading New Zealand to a five-wicket victory over South Africa at cricket's Emerging Players Tournament in Brisbane.
He took two for 10 as the young Proteas were dismissed for 94 in 36.3 overs at Redlands Cricket Club yesterday.
Ryder, who has recovered from the fractured hand he suffered in an incident at a Christchurch bar in February, then scored 27 as his team reached 95 for five inside 28 overs.
Peter Ingram was the rudder of the chase with 30 not out while Corey Anderson made an important unbeaten 18 after New Zealand were 53 for five.
Earlier, Northern Districts pair Brent Arnel and Brad Scott both took two for 13.
Ryder actually made his return to cricket on Monday with 14 in a six-wicket Twenty20 loss to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on the last ball.
New Zealand batted first and posted 139 for eight, with allrounder Corey Anderson blazing 53 runs.
New Zealand were to play the AIS in a 50-over match tomorrow.
