McCullum's New Zealand succumb

Keep up to date with all that's new around the world - read match reports and more from every international played

New Zealand began life under new captain Brendon McCullum with a humiliating eight-wicket defeat against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, in their opening Twenty20 international of three.

McCullum was this month controversially installed as skipper of all three formats in place of Ross Taylor, and the Black Caps sorely missed the experienced batsman in their middle order in crumbling to 86 all out from 18.2 overs.

Despite Richard Levi being dismissed for a fifth-ball duck, the Proteas were never in danger of a collapse, with stand-in captain Francois du Plessis plundering 38 not out from 32 balls and debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock making an impression with an unbeaten 28.

Rory Kleinveldt, left, celebrates ending New Zealand's innings for 86 during South Africa's thumping eight-wicket win in the opening T20

The fall-out from Taylor being replaced as captain has still not subsided and the 28-year-old has missed the entire tour of South Africa as a result. New Zealand clearly could have used his presence as the constant fall of wickets undermined their efforts to post a decent total after winning the toss.

Rob Nicol was the first to fall in the third over when he edged Rory Kleinveldt behind, and fellow opener Peter Fulton tamely hit Dale Steyn straight to mid-on.

McCullum departed next, top-edging Kleinveldt to short fine-leg, and when James Franklin, Corey Anderson and Nathan McCullum fell in consecutive overs the tourists were reeling on 36 for six.

Colin Munro and Doug Bracewell, respectively with 23 and 21 not out, helped their side avoid total embarrassment but their efforts were inconsequential.

Kleinveldt was the pick of the bowlers with 3-18, while Steyn, Robin Peterson and Chris Morris - one of three South Africa debutants alongside de Kock and Henry Davids - each took two scalps.

New Zealand were always facing a losing battle with such a low total on the board, although they were given some cheer when Levi edged Mitchell McClenaghan - one of four players making their first appearance for the Black Caps - to first slip.

With the total still on zero, there may have been an anxious few moments in the South African camp. But unlike his opposite number, du Plessis - standing in for the resting AB de Villiers - was calmness personified and hit six fours.

Although South Africa lost one more wicket - Davids bowled for 20 by Ronnie Hira, their captain struck the winning runs from the first ball of the 13th over.