Napier - South African captain AB de Villiers won the toss and elected to bowl on Wednesday in the second one-day international against New Zealand at McLean Park.
South Africa won the opening match on Saturday by six wickets in Wellington to lead the three-match series 1-0.
De Villiers said a firm pitch and short boundaries at McLean Park raised the prospect of a high-scoring match, but he hoped his bowlers could put New Zealand under early pressure, leaving his team a comfortable run chase.
South Africa made one change to the lineup, naming Justin Ontong in place of veteran opener Graeme Smith who has a bruised arm.
New Zealand made two changes, naming fast bowler Andy McKay in place of Doug Bracewell and legspinner Tarun Nethula in place of Nathan McCullum.
“We would have batted if I'd won the toss,” said captain Brendon McCullum, who becomes the sixth New Zealander to play 200 one-day internationals. - Sapa-AP