By BV Swagath
South Africa thrashed Pakistan by a massive margin of 125 runs in the opening ODI played at the Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the Proteas piled up 315 for 4 on the board. The hero of the South African batting was 27-year-old left-handed Colin Ingram who scored his 3rd ODI century. Ingram remained unbeaten on 105 from 104 balls with 10 fours.
Captain AB de Villiers scored a busy 65 from 63 balls with 4 fours. The only Pakistani bowler who was spared from getting hit around was Mohammad Hafeez who came up with 1 for 48 in 10 overs.
Pakistan chasing the big target got off to a fine start but lost their way after the first powerplay. At 114 for 4 in the 26th over, Pakistan had a tough time to bounce back. They were eventually bundled out for 190 by the 37th over itself. None of the Pakistani batsmen could get a fifty. For the Proteas, the destroyers were Rory Kleinveldt with 4 for 22 in 5.2 overs and Ryan McLaren with 3 for 19 in 7 overs.
The second of this 5-match Series will be played on the 15th at Centurion.