Cricket: Milne not surprised by Black Caps' success

New Zealand bowler Adam Milne. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

Fast bowler Adam Milne hasn't been surprised as New Zealand's success on their African tour, despite fielding a weakened squad.

New Zealand go into the final game of their trip, the third and deciding ODI against South Africa in Durban tonight with the chance to clinch a second consecutive away series against them, after winning the second match by eight wickets in Potchefstroom early on Monday (NZT).

The squad is without usual captain Brendon McCullum, plus new ball aces Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and allrounder Corey Anderson. But they haven't looked for excuses and indeed haven't needed them.

"I wouldn't say I've been surprised," Milne said today.

"A team without Brendon, Trent and Tim played in Dubai (against Pakistan) not so long ago and won that series. This is a young team led by a good captain (Kane Williamson) so I haven't been surprised at all by the way we've played."

Milne was hoping for a pitch with a bit of pace and bounce for the faster bowlers at Kingsmead tonight.

Although that might play in the hands of the hosts, with world class Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander leading the attack, Milne believes New Zealand have the wherewithal to get the job done.

He's taken four wickets in the first two ODIs at 22 and working up serious pace.

"South Africa are always a world class side and someone you always want to beat. In the last couple of years we've had good battles.

"This is a knockout match and if we can adjust quickly and beat them it'll be a good game."

It would also be a considerable feather in Williamson's cap, filling in for McCullum but the odds-on favourite to replace him when the captain eventually retires.