South Africa posted a total of 266-2 from their 50 overs in the first ODI against Pakistan at Port Elizabeth. In reply, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman (23) after a 45-run stand for the first wicket.
A 94-stand for the second wicket ensued between Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq before the former was dismissed one run short of a fifty by Hendricks.
Imam was ultimately dismissed for 86 and Pakistan suffered some late hiccups in their innings but an unbeaten 71 from Mohammad Hafeez saw the visitors notch up a five-wicket win with five deliveries to spare.
South Africa openers Hashim Amla and Reeza Hendricks’ 82-run stand for the first wicket was finally broken by Shadab Khan who had the latter (45) caught at midwicket. Amla though, continued to march on in the company of Dussen and brought up his 27th ton in the format in the penultimate over.
Amla’s ton and Dussen’s 93 helped the hosts post 266 although it was the second lowest ODI total in history by a team batting first which had lost only two wickets.
Earlier, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first in the first of the five-match ODI series.
Who will take the early bragging rights in the five-match series? Do not miss the action from Port Elizabeth by following our ball-by-ball coverage below.
