Hashim Amla made a maiden one-day international century as South Africa’s batsmen feasted on the Bangladesh bowling in the second one-day international at Willowmoore Park Sunday.
Opening batsman Amla struck an elegant 140 off 134 balls as South Africa slammed 358 for four, their highest total in a one-day game against Bangladesh.
Amla shared in century partnerships with captain Graeme Smith (65) and Jacques Kallis (49).
It was a successful return for Smith, who was playing in his first match since returning from a tour of England in August because of a tennis elbow injury.
Smith and Amla set the foundation for South Africa’s big total with a first wicket stand of 136 after Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful won the toss and sent the home side in, hoping to take advantage of overcast conditions and the possibility of rain later.
Smith looked in good form and showed no ill effects from his injury as he made his 65 off 67 balls with six fours and a six.
Both batsmen were dropped, Amla on 15 and Smith on 54, as Bangladesh’s fielding fell below the standard they achieved in Potchefstroom on Friday when they were beaten by 61 runs in the first game of the three-match series.
Amla took full advantage of a let-off by Mashrafe Mortaza at deep backward square leg off Syed Rasel.
Regarded as a Test match specialist before replacing Smith in the last two one-day internationals in England, Amla produced an array of classic strokes in the early overs and showed the ability to hit out later on. He hit eight fours and four sixes. – AFP
