Before the limited overs series began, New Zealand were ranked third on the ICC ODI Championship table, two places ahead of their hosts South Africa.

Chris Cairns was excluded over fitness issues while Jeetan Patel was included following good performances during the Zimbabwe tour the previous season.

[7] Boeta Dippenaar, who picked up an injury during the First ODI, was ruled out of the remainder of the series and was replaced by Andrew Puttick.

[6] Opening batsman Michael Papps was recalled to the side alongside all-rounder Jacob Oram.

[12] While Bond was ruled out for the series,[13] Hamish Marshall pulled out due to a rib injury following the First Test.