South Africa defeat New Zealand by 20 runs to win the 1st ODI

Amla scored a brilliant century.

New Zealand failed to chase the 305-run target set by South Africa as they were bowled out for 284, losing the match by 20 runs at the Super Sports Park in Centurion. Hashim Amla’s heroic 124 was the highlight of the evening.

After winnings the toss, New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson decided to bowl first. David Wiese made his debut for the Protea and the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir were back in their squad. 

South Africa were off to a good start with Amla starting off in blistering fashion. McClenaghan stuck then to remove Morne Van Wyk who has replaced Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.

Rilee Rossouw joined Amla and soon brought up their third-century stand. The 32-year-old then scored his 21st ODI hundred before the pair added 185 runs together for the third-wicket. The solid stand was finally broken when Rossouw (85) was yorked by McClenaghan.

AB de Villiers walked in next but failed to provide any entertainment as he lost his wicket by giving a simple catch to mid-wicket; he got out for 9 runs. Amla fell soon after that, scoring a superb 124 runs off 126 balls which involved 13 fours and 3 sixes.

South Africa may have lost 6 wickets in their last 10 overs, but they scored 85 runs there, which helped them reach a total of 304 for the loss of 7 wickets. 

Regular opener Martin Guptill didn't open for New Zealand as he had injured his wrist while fielding. Instead, Luke Ronchi came in with Tom Lathan. Both the openers were dropped in the very first over. But Ronchi didn't spend much more time at the crease as Steyn found his edge off the last ball of the first over with Amla taking a good low catch.

Dropping Latham proved costly as he went on to score his second ODI fifty before getting out for 60 runs. Imran Tahir joined the party later as he got the much-needed wicket of stand-in captain Williamson, who missed his fifty by 3 runs. The wicket also ended New Zealand's 104-run stand for the third wicket.

Wiese was smashed all around the park by Guptill, but he came back strongly as the right hander holed out to long on. Kiwis' World Cup hero Grant Elliot (4) lost his wicket quickly as Philander had him caught at first slip.

McClenaghan and Milne took New Zealand to 22 required off 13 balls, but Steyn then castled McClenaghan to end the Kiwis’ hopes. Kagiso Rabada got his only wicket of the match as he took the last wicket to end New Zealand’s innings at 284.