Having chosen to bowl first, the Proteas were chasing 190 in their allotted 50 overs and managed to secure 190/2 in 30 overs, bringing the game to a close with an 8-wicket win for South Africa.

Returning to Willowmoore Park for the first time since 2016, where skipper Temba Bavuma made his ODI debut, the Proteas were determined and confident heading into the game. 

The Netherlands started their innings off strong with Vikram Singh taking to the bat. His three sixes were not enough to keep their innings going as the Proteas came in strong for the win. 

Creating a full circle moment for himself, Bavuma stepped up to the plate alongside Aiden Markram to ring in a third-wicket partnership of 102 in 69 balls.. Together, their performance led the team to a comfortable win against the visitors. 

Overall, Bavuma covered a well rounded 90 not out for the side, off 79 balls. He struck eight fours and one six in his unbeaten run while Markram secured seven fours and one six, bringing him to an unbeaten 51 not out off 39 balls. Both Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen were bowled out early by Aryan Dutt and Fredrick Klaassen respectively. 

For South Africa, on the bowling end, Tabraiz Shamsi and Sisanda Magala dismissed the Netherlands for 189 in 46.1 overs after sharing six wickets. Shamsi took 3/25 in all of 10 overs while Anrich Nortjé reliably took 2/24. Sisanda Magala was named man of the match after a performance yielding 3/37 in just eight overs.

The Proteas will face the Netherlands on Sunday morning at 09:30 in the 'Pink' ODI which is set to take place at the Wanderers.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport