AB de Villiers once again showed why he is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket today. Spearheaded by his superlative show of 81, South Africa blanked the West Indies by 61 runs (D/L method) in the opening match of the ODI series in Durban on Friday.
He was well supported by his teammates Hashim Amla who made a run-ball 66. They both shared an important 99-stand for the third wicket. Amla also became the fastest South African batsman to make 5,000 runs in ODI cricket.
Batting first, the hosts made 279 for eight in 48.2 overs in the rain-truncated match. The West Indies were given a revised target 229 off 33 overs and then 226 off 32 overs and in the end, the visitors were all out for 164 in 28.2 overs.
Explosive opener Chris Gayle did give a rousing start to the West Indies run-chase, but fizzled out against the South African bowling. He could have learnt some lessons from the way Amla built his innings.
For home team, pacers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander claimed three wickets apiece, while leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the best of the lot in terms of bowling analysis.
Captaining the side for the first time in ODI, the West Indies skipper Jason Holder would have hoped for a better show from his brigade, but this was clearly not their day!
