A century from Hashim Amla laid the foundation for home success on Wednesday as South Africa beat New Zealand by 20 runs to win their opening one-day international at Centurion. South Africa bowled New Zealand out for 284 in 48.1 overs to defend their 304-7 total at Supersport Park. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa started slowly and steadily, until Amla (124) cracked two sixes to take South Africa to 42 for no loss after seven overs. Amla and Rilee Rossouw (89) shared a second wicket partnership of 185 as South Africa scored 304 for seven after being sent in to bat.

Ton-up Hashim Amla steals show in South Africa’s 20-run win in first ODI against New Zealand:

It was the first ODI between the teams since New Zealand won a thrilling World Cup semi-final off the penultimate ball in Auckland in March. A Black Caps team featuring only four players from that game threatened a similarly tight finish for much of their pursuit on Wednesday, most notably when Jimmy Neesham (41) and Colin Munro (33) put on 71 off 65 balls after coming together at 158-5.

South Africa win with Amla’s ton:

Tom Latham (60) and captain Kane Williamson put on 104 for New Zealand’s second wicket after Luke Ronchi had been caught at first slip off Dale Steyn in the first over. An injured Martin Guptill made an aggressive 25 after Williamson was dismissed for 47 but New Zealand then lost three wickets in the space of 12 balls.

Guptill injured his left wrist while fielding and did not open the batting as usual. He came in at number four after having an injection.   South Africa’s victory, which was some form of revenge for losing to New Zealand in the semifinals of this year’s World Cup, was set up by Amla, though. The second game is in Potchefstroom on Sunday.