JP Duminy of South Africa poses with his Man of the Match trophy during the 1st ODI between South Africa and West Indies at Centurion. © Getty Images

In a match reduced to 36 overs a sides JP Duminy scored career-best 79 to guide South Africa to a 6-wicket win in the first ODI at Centurion against West Indies.

Set a modest target of 176, after being put in to bat by South Africa, the West Indian bowlers bowled well with the new ball to reduce the hosts for 59/3 inside the first fifteen overs. The South African chase started on a dreadful note with openers Graeme Smith (1) and AB de Villers (2) dispatched within four overs. Powell and Edwards made good use of the swinging conditions to put visitors on top.

Amidst fading light Jacques Kallis departed for 24 as he nicked one to keeper Ramdin off Rampaul. With chances of Duckworth-Louis (D/L) calculation coming into play, the Proteas were in trouble before they were rescued by a 59-run partnership between JP Duminy and J.Ontong. Some quick running the wickets coupled with strong hits to the fence was the highlight of the fourth-wicket stand.

Partneship raises hope

Just when the partnership looked to take South Africa home safely, Dwayne Bravo grabbed a stunning catch of his own bowling. Bravo, who earlier had said he would not ball, finally brought himself on and was rewarded for his brave effort.

The Duminy-Ontong partnership had raised South Africa’s hopes as it put ahead of the required run-rate had the calculations come into play.

The fall of Ontong’ wicket brought the experienced Boucher in the middle requiring him to play yet another trademark innings.

JP Duminy and Mark Boucher celebrates victory during the 1st ODI between South Africa and West Indies at Centurion. © Getty Images

Duminy-Boucher finish the job

West Indies struggled to keep the same momentum they had showed initially as it looked that the bowlers were finding it difficult to grip the wet ball. Man of the Match JP Duminy played a composed innings under pressure and showed no signs of panic. Mark Boucher played the role of supporting batsman to perfection by rotating the strikes well and thereby kept the scorecard ticking. The unbeaten 58-run partnership eased South Africa to victory with two overs to spare as Duminy scored a fine knock of 79.

West Indies batsmen struggle on lively pitch

Earlier West Indies was in deep trouble as the Proteas ran through the top order. The visitors were starring down the barrel with half the side back for a meager 72 on board. The fall of wickets continued as West Indies slipped to 81-6 before Sammy got together with Runako Morton. The duo got into recovery act and shared a 69-run seventh wicket stand.

The last recognised pair helped the Caribbean team achieve a competitive total as Sammy reached a maiden international half-century an innings that included three sixes, two of which coming of successive deliveries of Albie Morkel in the penultimate over. West Indies was bundled out for 175 from 35.5 overs courtesy two run outs in the final over.

Shaun Pollock, playing in his final series after announcing his retirement from international cricket, took one for 19. Steyn removed opener Smith and cleaned up Powell to take 2-24 and Andre Nel removed the threatening Samuels and Chanderpaul to give South Africa the edge.