SA Win Opening ODI of Series in WI

South Africa outplayed the West Indies yet again at the Sir Vivian Richard’s ground in Antigua today where they won the opening ODI of a five-match series by 66 runs. For the third time in a row at the same venue the home side put the visitors in to bat. For the third time in a row their score proved sufficient for victory.

A century that oozed class from Hashim Alma (102, 109b, 8×4, 0×6) was followed up with one by AB de Villiers (102, 101b, 5×4, 2×6) that took the game away from the hapless Calypso side as the Proteas posted a Duckworth-Lewis revised 281/7 in the 48-over game.

The West Indies have looked so mediocre in the three matches played so far. South Africa have proven that despite so much recent change in their squad, they are a strong side and the momentum going forward into the next five weeks lies firmly with them. If someone told me now that South Africa will win every ODI and every Test of this series, I’d believe them. The home side badly need a change in fortunes.

Chris Gayle used eight bowlers today. Dwayne Bravo (3/40, 10 ov.) and Ravi Rampaul (2/46, 10 ov.) toiled hard for their figures but the bowling basically had no answer for the manner in which Amla and then de Villiers controlled the SA innings. It may have been a good toss to lose as the moisture promised by the morning’s rain didn’t offer any exceptional movement off the seam. The pitch played so much better than the one two to the right that made for such bad cricket in the two T20I’s. Amla looked good. Expect some big runs from him this series. It won’t be easy to get him out on the slower Caribbean tracks and the batsman seems in seriously fine touch.

A few times the Windies looked as if they would make a fist of the chase. There is always belief while Gayle (45, 39b, 8×4, 0×6) is at the crease. Aside from Andre Fletcher, who somehow is still in the team failed again, all of the WI top seven batsmen got starts. They just failed to convert them into big scores in the way that Amla and de Villiers had done. Pollard’s cameo (44, 37b, 5×4, 1×6) gave some hope as he and Ramdin put on a quick 50 but South Africa took wickets at regular intervals and the required run rate escalated all the while.

McLaren was the pick of the South African bowlers, returning figures of 2/37 (8ov.), despite being smashed for 15 runs by Pollard one over. Morkel (3/40, 8 ov), Botha (2/47, 10 ov.) and Steyn (2/37, 10 ov.) all did reasonable jobs as well.

Hashim Amla

“I think if we had won the toss we would have bowled first as well. It was a bit two-paced with some damp patches. But we somehow managed to score quickly.”

“Today was my day, the ball hit the middle of the bat and I found the gaps”

“I have played 20-odd 50-over games. I got my opportunity when Smith was injured and I feel I can adapt well to the game.

AB de Villiers

“Hash is a solid player. He is positive upfront which takes pressure off our captain. He has had an unbelievable year and he is coming to the party in ODI cricket.”

“The Windies will always be a competitive side. Not too long ago we were on a losing streak. We are still a long way from winning the season.”

“I felt like I killed the momentum but Hash kept me calm and said the boundaries will come and that’s exactly what happened.”

“The pitch was a bit slow in the middle overs, Pollard was impressive getting the ball away later.”

“The mood was very stressed in the side after the T20 and I wouldn’t say that’s gone away after performing badly in the World Cup. We are hungry to give the tpublic trophies and consistent wins.”

“I’m enjoying the extra responsibility of ‘keeping.”

Dwayne Bravo

“Amla played very well. I enjoyed my bowling spell. It’s been a while since I bowled ten overs in an ODI”

“The ball came out well and my variations seemed to work.”

“We are struggling to find a solution for the team.”

“This morning it was overcast and it was a new pitch. With some moisture there we elected to bowl and you have to give credit to how Amla and de Villiers batted.”

“It’s our first ODI loss in about six games, we just have to regroup again, believe in each other. We just need that one win under our belt to get us going.”

“I relished the opportunity to bat at number three with Chiv injured. I will just continue to try my best.”