Hafeez, Imam star as Pakistan down South Africa in first ODI

Men in Green register five-wicket win to go 1-0 in five-match series

Brilliant half centuries from Mohammad Hafeez and Imamul Haq was enough for Pakistan to register a morale-boosting five-wicket win against South Africa in the first ODI of the five-match series in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The day started with the home side captain Faf du Plessis winning the toss and opting to bat first. His decision looked a correct one as the home side was cruising at one stage and it looked like the Proteas will be able to score in excess of 300 easily.

However, disciplined bowling performance from the Men in Green restricted the hosts to below-par total of 266 for the loss of two wickets.

Veteran opener Hashim Amla finished the innings with the top score of 108 not out off 120 balls with the help of seven fours and one six.

For Pakistan, pacer Hasan Ali and leg-spinner Shadab Khan were the pick of the bowlers as they both claimed a wicket each.

In reply, the Green Caps produced their best batting performance on the tour and chase down the target with five balls to spare at the expense of five wickets.

Opener Imam finished the innings with the top score of 86 off 101 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes, whereas Hafeez remained unbeaten on 71 off 63 balls with the help of eight fours and two maximums.

For South Africa, pacer Duanne Olivier was the pick of the bowler as he claimed figures of two for 73.

For his composed innings of unbeaten 71, Hafeez was named player of the match.