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!