A far improved performance from the Proteas with bat, ball and in the field handed them a comfortable five-wicket victory over New Zealand in Champions Trophy action on Thursday.

It was nowhere near a prefect performance from the home team, however, and there is still plenty of work to be done before Sunday's do-or-die clash against England.

Barend Prins rates the Proteas players' performance against the Black Caps.

Graeme Smith

Never really got going, after looking in fine form against Sri Lanka. 3/10

Hashim Amla

Did a job at the top of the order but never looked entirely comfortable despite scoring 38. Doesn't add much in the field when he is not scoring runs and will lose his position as soon as Herschelle Gibbs is fit again. 5/10

Jacques Kallis

Bowled with accuracy and pace, having Kallis in the team is part of the reason South Africa can afford to play two spinners. Looked in good form with the bat before getting a feint edge to the wicketkeeper. 7/10

AB de Villiers

Another high-quality innings that adds value to the school of thought that De Villiers is just about ready to take over the mantle from Jacques Kallis as South Africa's premier batsman. Seemed comfortable against all the bowlers whilst scoring runs at a good rate all round the wicket. 8/10

JP Duminy

Coming in during a time of the innings when he could afford to take his time and build a big score, Duminy missed a glorious opportunity. Not in danger of losing his place in the side yet ? especially considering his ability in the field and the bowling options he adds ? but when was the last time JP actually put together a meaningful innings for the Proteas? 3/10

Mark Boucher

Excellent behind the stumps ? especially against the slow bowlers ? and a played a handy knock in a partnership with AB de Villiers which just about snuffed out any hopes New Zeland had of an unlikely victory. 7/10

Albie Morkel

Better than against Sri Lanka, but also never put under the same amount of pressure as he was on Tuesday night, Morkel is the weak link in the South African bowling line-up. One could argue that his bowling is a bonus and the main reason for his inclusion in the side is his big hitting lower down the order, but he needs to contribute with ball in hand to justify the balance of this Proteas line-up. Still looked pretty mean whilst he was at the crease though. 5/10

Johan Botha

Solid without being spectacular, Botha's primary job in the team is to keep it tight and one that he does competently. 7/10

Roelof van der Merwe

Again the pick of the bowlers, Van der Merwe is fast building a reputation for himself of being one of the most difficult bowlers to get away. What makes Roelof even more dangerous nowadays is his apparent ability to extract turn, as well as bounce, from the wicket. A case can certainly be made for him to have been Man of the Match for his choke job on the Kiwi middle order. 9/10

Dale Steyn

Seemed almost unplayable at times and again ? in my opinion ? the pick of the South African fast bowlers. Tended to bowl slightly shorter than is necessary, but all in all a good day's workout for the 'Phalaborwa express'. 8/10

Wayne Parnell

His first spell with the new ball was a big improvement from his outing on Tuesday, but showed his inexperience at times, erring in length as well as line on occasion. He will bowl far better without reward during his career, but a bowler who can pick up 5/57, whilst still not at his best, is a massive asset to have. 7/10

  • Do you agree with Barend's ratings? What did you think ofthe performance? Leave your comments below!