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Bloemfontein: Colin Ingram hit an unbeaten century to propel South Africa to an easy 125-run win in the first one-dayer, on Sunday, as Pakistan fell way short in the chase.
Ingram scored 105 off 104 balls as South Africa posted 315 for four to set Pakistan a tough target despite improved batting conditions.
Pakistan managed only 190 in reply, bowled out with still 82 balls to spare. The result provides a major boost for the hosts, who despite their top status in Tests, have struggled recently in ODIs, experimenting with their line-up.
“It was exciting to see the guys perform like in this fashion. We’ve not exactly being doing well in the one-day arena of late,” said AB de Villiers.
Ingram’s hundred was ably supported by decent knocks from all five of the other South African batsmen, particularly Farhaan Behardien.
Shahid Afridi smashed a 16-ball 34, but the cameo came too late to pull Pakistan out of the woods.
“We didn’t exploit the conditions early on or even when the wicket became easier for batting,” admitted captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
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