E-Paper
South Africa trounce Pakistan
The hosts go on a batting rampage to set up a comprehensive 164-run win over Pakistan in the first one-day international at Centurion Park.
South Africa went on a batting rampage to set up a comprehensive 164-run win over Pakistan in the first cricket one-day international at Centurion Park on Sunday.
South Africa hammered 392 for six after being sent in and then bowled out the tourists for 228.
To add to a miserable day for Pakistan, Shahid Afridi risked disciplinary action when he prodded his bat at a barracking spectator as he walked up the steps to the dressing room after being dismissed.
South Africa's innings was built on two century partnerships at far better than a run a ball on an excellent batting pitch.
Captain Graeme Smith (72) and AB de Villiers (67) gave South Africa an explosive start, putting on 140 off 112 balls for the first wicket.
But that was made to seem relatively pedestrian as Jacques Kallis (88 not out) and Mark Boucher (78) thrashed 128 off 66 balls for the fifth wicket, with Boucher making his runs off just 38 balls.
It was the seventh highest total in one-day internationals and the highest conceded by Pakistan, whose previous worst was 363 for seven by England at Nottingham in 1992.
The Pakistan bowlers took a pounding and made their situation worse by sending down 16 wides and nine no-balls.
Pakistan's batsmen went for their shots in search of an unlikely victory but four wickets fell in the first 12 overs.
