South Africa, one of the strong challengers for the Champions Trophy title, warmed up for the tournament in style by notching a facile 76-run victory over Saurashtra in a warm-up clash at the MIG Club Ground at suburban Bandra on Wednesday.
Skipper Graeme Smith smashed his way to 90, besides putting on a century stand for the first wicket with Boeta Dippenar (33) to help South Africa amass an imposing 303 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
Smith cracked 15 fours and three sixes in his 54-ball knock that took the wind out of the Saurashtra bowlers' sails completely. He showed little signs of his recent ankle injury.
All rounder Jaques Kallis also showed impressive form in scoring 78.
In reply, Saurashtra could make only 227 for five, thanks in the main due to Pratik Mehta (95) and Sitanshu Kotak, who remained unbeaten with 82.
Fast bowlers Makhaya Ntini bowled with fire to claim 2 for 8, while Andre Nel too impressed with figures of 2 for 20.
Scores: South Africa 303 for 8 in 50 overs (Graeme Smith 90, Jacques Kallis 78, Boeta Dippenaar 33, Shaun Pollock 32, Ravindra Jadeja 2 for 49, Rakesh Dhruv 2 for 59, Sitanshu Kotak 2 for 40) bt Saurashtra 227 for 5 in 50 overs (Pratik Mehta 95, Sitanshu Kotak 82 n.o, Makhaya Ntini 2 for 8, Andre Nel 2 for 20) by 76 runs.
