New Zealand suffered their second Bay Oval defeat in the space of four days with a 72-run loss to South Africa on Friday.

Despite another gutsy spell at the crease from Luke Ronchi, who followed Tuesday's tally of 99 with a face-saving 79, the Black Caps came up short once more.

Hashim Amla hit 119 runs from 135 balls against the Black Caps on Friday. All photos: Tracy Hardy.

Chasing the visitor's total of 282, the home side struggled to find any real momentum in the one-day international, and were made to pay in the Mount Maunganui sun.

The Proteas were sent into bat after losing the toss, but soon gained a foothold in the game with a blistering 119 from Hashim Amla and a useful 67 from Francois du Pleiss.

And until Ronchi's introduction, New Zealand failed to rise to the challenge during their innings.

Another valiant late stand, however, gave the score a more respectable look, with Ronchi and Mitchell McClenaghan breaking the Black Caps' 10th wicket partnership record for the second time in a week.

But a resolute South African attack quelled any hope of an NZ comeback, and won the tie with three-and-a-half overs to spare.