The New Nation - Internet Edition

Players of South Africa celebrate their victory over
Bangladesh in the first ODI at the Bir Sreshtha Shaheed
Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday. South Africa won
the match by nine wickets. FocusBangla

Sports Reporter

An undefeated 103 by Graeme Smith powered South Africa to earn a resounding nine-wicket victory over hosts Bangladesh in their first One Day International (ODI) match of the three-match ODI series at the Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday.

Opener Graeme Smith, the skipper of South Africa, played 118 balls in his splendid innings, which was ornamented with 14 shots through the ropes and one stroke over the fence. Electing to bat first, Bangladesh were skittled out for 178 off 48.2 overs. Bangladesh lost their wickets at regular intervals. Besides Tamim Iqbal, none of Bangladesh batsman were able to make a notable score.

Opener Tamim Iqbal hit a fine 82 off 98 balls amid nine fours and a six. Andre Nel harpooned three wickets giving away 24 runs while Paul Harris, Albi Morkel and CK Langeveldt scalped two each for 30, 30 and 32 runs respectively.

Later, South Africa romped home scoring 180 for the loss of one wicket in 36.5 overs. South Africa made a solid start as the two Proteas openers, Graeme Smith and Gibbs put on 143 together before Gibbs was trapped leg before wicket by Shakib Al Hasan making 57 off 84 balls. He sent the ball eight times beyond the ropes and one time over the fence.

Shakib Al Hasan, the only successful bowler of Bangladesh got one wicket for 29 runs.

Bangladesh will face South Africa in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 12.