Albie blast lifts SA to 295

---

South Africa's batting line-up enjoyed a useful workout in the opening ODI against Zimbabwe as they reached an impressive 295 for 5. Hashim Amla top-scored with a fluent 80 while AB de Villiers also looked in fine touch for a run-a-ball 51. The late acceleration came from Albie Morkel's 39-ball half century and Alvrio Petersen, recalled to a new role in the middle order, as the batting Powerplay brought 58 runs, according to website cricinfo.
However, the home side didn't have it all their own way as the Zimbabwe spinners kept a lid on the scoring rate during the middle of the innings with Ray Price taking three wickets. There was a hint of early-season rustiness about the manner of South Africa's dismissals as the top order fell to catches in the deep when more runs were on offer, but at least it ensured that a number of batsmen benefited from time in the middle. These are early days in the summer and this is a new-look batting line-up as South Africa adjust their one-day options.
Amla and captain Graeme Smith gave the innings a solid base, although Smith struggled for his timing to begin with as he settled in on a sluggish surface.
Zimbabwe now managed to haul in the scoring rate with Amla content to work the field while Mark Boucher struggled to find his timing. Amla was set to bat through the innings when, much to his disgust, he deposited a long hop from Graeme Cremer down deep midwicket and three overs later, Boucher's laboured effort ended with a miscued drive to long-off.
South Africa 295 for 5 (Amla 80, de Villiers 51, Morkel 50*, Price 3-44) v Zimbabwe