Harris played a masterful innings

New Zealand clinched their first series win over South Africa in any form of cricket by winning the fifth one-day international between the sides.

South Africa fell three runs short of their victory target to give the hosts a 4-1 lead in the six-match series.

After early rain, New Zealand hit 198 in 33 overs, but more delays meant the visitors' target was 178 in 29 overs.

Despite hitting 25 off the last over, South Africa could not stop the Kiwis clinching the series with a game to go.

After being put in to bat by South Africa captain Graeme Smith, New Zealand were set up for victory by Chris Harris's knock of 55.

Back in the team for the first time since the 5-0 one-day defeat by Pakistan in December, it was Harris's 16th half-century.

He hit three fours and two sixes in his 55-ball innings and was ably assisted by Jacob Oram (22) and Daniel Vettori (19).

Quotes: Fleming delighted by landmark series win

Ntini was the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-47.

He got his team off to the perfect start, when New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming judged to have edged his first ball into the hands of Jacques Kallis.

Television replays later showed it had only hit his thigh pad.

Fellow opener Hamish Marshall followed soon afterwards - Ntini's second victim.

After his departure, Chris Cairns struck some lofty blows for 28 but the wickets continued to fall steadily.

Harris' arrival, however, moved New Zealand into the ascendancy before he was caught and bowled by Shaun Pollock in the final over.

South Africa's target seemed attainable but they were reduced to 86-5 in the 19th over as Jacob Oram and Chris Cairns took two wickets apiece.

But Jacques Kallis, with 58 off 60 balls, and Mark Boucher (48 from 30) took up the fight and launched an all-out blitz in the final over.

The equation turned in South Africa's favour when the third ball, which was a no-ball, was hit for six by Boucher.

That left 20 runs needed off four balls and 14 runs off three when Boucher crashed another ball into the stands.

But a Boucher single effectively ended the contest, and though Kallis hit a six and a four off the final two balls but it was not enough for the visitors to avoid defeat.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener, Nicky Boje, Albie Morkel, Makhaya Ntini.