South Africa has won the first One-Day International by 20 runs against New Zealand at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
South Africa batting first scored 304 for 7 in 50 overs. Hasim Amla and Rilee Rossouw built an 185 run partnership for the second wicket that helped South Africa score a mammoth 304 runs. Amla scored 124 which is his 23rd international century. Left handed batsman Rilee Rossouw coming at no 3 played a brilliant 89 runs knock before being bowled by Mitchell McCleghan.
South Africa had to endure a mini collapse. As Rossouw got out, two other strong foundations of South Africa batting department AB de Villers and centurion Hasim Amla were scalped by Adam Milne at 45th over.
Only five overs were left where South Africa lost three more wickets, but between them they scored 43 runs together. David Miller and David Wiese scored 14 each, and Farhaan Behardien scored 15 runs.
Earlier New Zealand winning the toss asked South Africa bat first. But, New Zealand bowlers did well but failed to break one partnership of 185 runs that eventually led them to a loss in the first ODI of the series.
Caption: SA players are celebrating after the wicket of Kane Williamson.
New Zealand was all out for 284 in 48.1 overs. Although New Zealand lost Luke Ronchi, who was caught by Alma off Dale Steyn in the very first over, went on built a 104 runs partnership. But they lost four quick wickets inside 58 runs. Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot and Tom Latham.
Latham (60) was the highest scorer for New Zealand, he was trapped by Vernon Philander. Philander in the same over just two ball ago sent Grant Elliot back in the dressing room.
The wicket of in-form Kane (47) and Martin Guptill (25) snatched the match away from New Zealand. Dean Elgar caught captain Willamson off spinner Imran Tahir.
Jimmy Neesham and Colin Munro helped New Zealand recover from the slump in the middle of the innings. As they out hope for New Zealand was all over.
Score:
Batting: South Africa 304/7, Hasim Amla 124, Rilee Rossouw 89
Bowling: Adam Milne 2 for 51, Mitchell McClenaghan 2 for 72
Batting: New Zealand 284 all out, Tom Latham 60, Kane Williamson 47
Bowling: Dale Steyn 2 for 50, Vernon Philander 2 for 51