South Africa win opening ODI with ease

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South Africa recorded an expected win against Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Bulawayo, and aside from a scare in the middle overs while bowling, the Proteas were in full command throughout.

South Africa recorded an expected win against Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Bulawayo, and aside from a scare in the middle overs while bowling, the Proteas were in full command throughout.

After making 309 for three, with Hashim Amla's century the highlight though other made half tons, the hosts were bowled out for 216 in the final over, failing to capitalise on Hamilton Masakadza and Sean Williams' 100-run partnership.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field first in the windy conditions, but had to toil as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock put on a century opening stand. The opening bowlers pitched it far too short, and De Kock was particularly punishing.

The young keeper made his way to a quick half century, but was out for 63, unable to keep his conversion rate, from fifties to tons, at 100 percent. He was out to debutant John Nyumbu, who had taken five wickets in the Test between the sides.

Amla continued to impress, adding another century stand with Faf du Plessis. The pair scored even quicker than the opening stand, going at nearly six to the over. Du Plessis made his 59 off 77 balls before falling to Prosper Utseya.

Amla then batted with AB de Villiers, who added 21 off 12 balls before Nyumbu removed him. Amla finished the innings alongside JP Duminy, who was on 22 at the end, and Amla was on 122 off 132 balls.

Zimbabwe's innings was hampered by inexperience and an inability to play spin. While the openers were removed by pace du Wayne Parnell and Ryan McLaren, it was Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso who did the damage.

They took three wickets each, with only Hamilton and Williams able to fend them off. Williams batted well for his 51, and Masakadza showed his experience in recording 61, but otherwise it was a parade of regular wickets.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue, on 19 August.

Zimbabwe: V Sibanda, R Mutumbami, H Masakadza, B Taylor, S Williams, E Chigumbura, L Jongwe, P Utseya, S Masakadza, N Madziva, J Nyumbu

South Africa: H Amla, Q de Kock, F du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, D Miller, R McLaren, W Parnell, K Abbott, A Phangiso, Imran Tahir

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