Cape Town - Proteas skipper AB de Villiers says that although he is proud of his team's consecutive ODI winning record, he believes a loss is inevitable.
Sunday night's four-wicket win against New Zealand in the first ODI at Eden Park saw the Proteas extend their winning streak in one-day cricket to 12 consecutive wins.
The Proteas have not lost an ODI game since their triangular series loss to the West Indies in June last year.
De Villiers believes that a loss is inevitable, but would like to continue the Proteas winning streak and seal the ODI series in New Zealand.
"We don't play for those kind of records, but it's a nice one to have, we are very well aware of it," De Villiers told reporters on Sunday at Eden Park.
"We're only human and we know we're going to lose a game along the line that's the nature of the beast, but we will hang onto that record for as long as we can.
"We go to Christchurch next and hopefully we win another one.
"The series is at no means over, but we'll take it one step at a time. Christchurch is next and we'll assess then.
"We're really proud of that record and hopefully we can continue that."
If the Proteas defeat New Zealand on Wednesday, they will hold second-place for the highest number of consecutive victories - behind Australia who've won 21 consecutive ODI games in 2003.
The second ODI gets underway in Christchurch on Wednesday, February 22 (00:00 SA time).