Well, South Africa outdoing Pakistan in every department of the game to win this first ODI by a big margin. South Africa made an explosive start, racking up 392-6 at Centurion, with Smith, de Villiers, Kallis and Boucher joining in the fun. Asif bowled a very good opening spell but did not escape the punishment, smashed for three fours and two sixes in the 47th over. Boucher was sublime in his 38-ball 78.
South Africa then grabbed early wickets to completely stifle the Pakistan batting. Mohammad Yousuf played a little cameo, but his and Inzamam's wickets forced the rest into a shell, with Malik and Sami batting very, very slowly to add 73 in what seemed like an eternity. Sami managed 46, and Malik remained unbeaten on an 84-ball 52, but the asking rate was so high at the end.
Do join us for the second game of the best-of-five series, on February 7 at Durban. Until then, is Jamie Alter signing off. Ciao!
Mohammad Asif c Prince b Smith 2 (35m 19b 0x4 0x6) SR: 10.52
END OF OVER:46 | 1 Run | PAK: 227/9 (166 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 4.93, RRR: 41.50)
- Mohammad Asif2 (16b)
- Shoaib Malik51 (83b)
- Ashwell Prince2-0-3-0
- Graeme Smith1-0-5-0
END OF OVER:45 | 5 Runs | PAK: 226/9 (167 runs required from 30 balls, RR: 5.02, RRR: 33.40)
- Mohammad Asif2 (11b)
- Shoaib Malik50 (82b)
- Graeme Smith1-0-5-0
- Ashwell Prince1-0-2-0
"82 balls for a 50, chasing 390...sheesh" cribs Boucher behind the stumps