Wisden
Standard Bank Triangular Series, match 1

South Africa v India

At Johannesburg, October 5 (day/night). South Africa won by six wickets. South Africa 4 pts. Toss: South Africa. International debut: D. Dasgupta.

Ganguly and Tendulkar hit centuries to help India to the biggest total in a one-day international at the Wanderers but, with Kirsten in marvellous form, South Africa immediately broke that record with ten balls to spare on a batting paradise. While Tendulkar - in his first international since a foot injury in July - initially struggled with his timing, Ganguly dominated all six members of a uniform attack. His immense power and confidence brought him five sixes, and his hundred three balls before Tendulkar got to fifty. They had put on 193 when Ganguly top-edged another huge blow, aimed towards fine leg. Though Tendulkar went on to his 30th one-day international century, the innings slowly lost its fizz. South Africa also opened with a hundred partnership, but Kirsten remained throughout, playing first with aggression, then with typical calm and assurance, and making effective use of a tuck behind square leg to complete his own century.

Man of the Match: G. Kirsten.

© John Wisden & Co