Skipper Faf du Plessis hammered a blistering century to help South Africa set a respectable target of 270 runs for India in the opening ODI of the six-match series at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground here on Wednesday.
South Africa got off to a good start after winning the toss and opting to bat first, but the Indian bowlers picked up a couple of quick wickets to dent visitors' progress before du Plessis shone with the bat to bring his side back on track.
After losing opener Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock joined forces with first drop Faf du Plessis and the pair increased the run rate with a 53-run partnership in just 7.3 overs before Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal stuck to dismiss the opener for 34 off 49 balls.
However, the home side lost Aiden Markram (9), JP Duminy (9) and David Miller (6) cheaply.
With the score on 134-5, Du Plessis rebuilt the partnership with all-rounder Chris Morris and the duo put on 74 in just over 12 overs before the latter was dismissed for 37.
Subsequently, Andile Phehlukwayo (unbeaten at 27) joined Du Plessis and the pair steered their side's ship for the final overs before the skipper got out after scoring his ninth ODI ton at 120, including 11 boundaries and two sixes.
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South Africa eventually posted a score of 269-8 in their stipulated 50 overs.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal bagged two wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also chipped in with a wicket each.