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HASHIM AMLA scored his third century in his last four innings to set the Castle Lager Proteas up for a 93-runs victory over Zimbabwe in the first of three ODI’s at Bulawayo on Sunday.
It was Amla’s 15th ODI century and followed innings of 109, 101 and 48 in his previous three ODI’s in Sri Lanka.
Amla and Quinton de Kock set up the South African total of 309/3 with their opening partnership of 109 in 20.3 overs. De Kock contributed 63 (68 balls, 8 fours and a six) and Amla then shared a second wicket partnership of 123 with Faf du Plessis (59 off 77 balls, 4 fours).
The Proteas, who had been sent into bat on a pitch that assisted the spin bowlers, then cut loose in the final overs that saw them add 101 to their total in the last 10 overs.
Zimbabwe briefly threatened when Hamilton Masakadza and Stuart Williams added 100 runs for the fourth wicket in 16 overs but, once they they were parted, the writing was on the wall.
The two spinners, Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso, between them took six for 87 in their 20 overs.
Masakadza contributed 61 to the Zimbabwe total (75 balls, 6 fours and a six) and Williams 51 (46 balls, 3 fours and a six).
The second ODI is at the same venue on Tuesday 19 August
