South African Faf du Plessis during his 90-ball 51 against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday. Pic/PTI

Auckland: South Africa hailed a battling Faf du Plessis on Saturday after whipping New Zealand in the final one-day international to win the series and reclaim the World No. 1 slot. "He's a wonderful player who has turned into a great player over the past few years," captain AB de Villiers said after du Plessis anchored a six-wicket win to give South Africa the series 3-2.