The Proteas beat Australia by 74 runs in Saturday’s first ODI at Boland Park in Paarl on Saturday.
Host captain Quinton de Kock opted to bat first after winning the toss. His choice was justified, as the Proteas posted a final total of 291-7. The Australians were then limited to 217 all out.
The result afforded South Africa an early lead in the three-match series. The Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein will host the second fixture on Wednesday.
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Saturday’s victory was built on the back of a century from middle-order batsman Heinrich Klaasen and debutant Kyle Verreynne’s all-round showing. Verreynne weighed in with 48 – and took three important catches at cover, long-on and long-off.
Klaasen’s 123 spanned a mere 114 deliveries and featured seven fours and a trio of sixes. He was also well supported by the experienced David Miller’s 64.
A home side minus the services of the rested Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen needed the replacements to fire, and Klaasen and Verreynne dutifully obliged.
Fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje and wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi later shared seven key wickets, as a star-studded Australian battting order was methodically undone.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (c, wk), Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
