While the BLACKCAPS will need to win the second ODI against South Africa at Cape Town on Friday to get back into the series, there will be added incentive in the match for both teams.
They are currently in fourth equal spot on the ICC ODI rankings, meaning the winner of the second match will move into fourth place alone, just behind Pakistan.
The BLACKCAPS and South Africa are both on 114 points, while Pakistan is in third spot on 116. If the BLACKCAPS were to win the four remaining matches, they would almost catch second placed Sri Lanka, who are on 119 points.
Meanwhile, BLACKCAPS captain Stephen Fleming has indicated he will bat first in the second match if he wins the toss as the Newlands ground in Cape Town has a reputation for being difficult to bat on under the lights.