Johannesburg : South African captain AB de Villiers was left to rue his side’s batting collapse in the end overs after losing the opening ODI of the triangular series against the West Indies in Guyana.
Despite a 78-run stand between de Villiers and Rilee Rossouw for the third wicket, South Africa struggled to pace their innings on a sluggish surface and were eventually bundled out for 188 within 46.5 overs. Rossouw was the top scorer for his side with 61.
Narine, who played his first international cricket since being barred due to an illegal action last November, wreaked havoc on the touring side with career-best figures of 6-27.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, de Villiers admitted that they lost their way towards the end of their innings while pointing out that 220-plus total would have made it tougher for the hosts to chase down, Sport24 reported.
West Indies also found it difficult to score runs smoothly before hard-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard struck an aggressive 67 not out, which included two fours and six sixes, to help the hosts cross the line with 11 balls remaining.
West Indies will next take on world champions Australia in the second match of the series at Providence on Sunday. (ANI)