Cricket-Pakistan slump to record runs concession

CENTURION, South Africa, Feb 4 (Reuters) A ferocious late onslaught by Mark Boucher set up South Africa for a 164-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international today.

Boucher plundered 78 off 38 balls as South Africa hammered 392 for six in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat by Pakistan, who conceded their highest ever total in one-dayers.

The home attack then dismissed Pakistan for 228 in 46.4 overs for an easy victory.

Pakistan required a mammoth 7.86 runs per over and although they scored briskly, South Africa picked up wickets at regular intervals.

A partnership of 49 off 35 balls between Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq lifted Pakistan after Makhaya Ntini plundered the top-order to leave them on 70 for four.

But Yousuf fell for 39 and Inzamam (15) was caught off Jacques Kallis in the next over to kill off Pakistan's chances.

Shoaib Malik (52 not out) and Mohammad Sami, who scored a career-best 46, batted courageously and their 73-run stand brought respectability to the total.

Earlier, Boucher launched nine fours and four sixes to propel South Africa to their huge score, taking advantage of the closing overs and lives on 24 and 48.

Openers Graeme Smith (72) and AB de Villiers (67) had set South Africa on their way with a first-wicket stand of 140. Captain Smith scored his runs off 47 deliveries, with 15 fours, When seamer Naved-ul-Hasan returned for a second spell he hit him for 27 runs in an over which included six fours, two wides and a no-ball.

Kallis (88 not out) and Ashwell Prince (39) kept the scoreboard moving and Boucher and Kallis then added 128 for the fifth wicket off just 67 deliveries.

England's mark of 363 for seven against Pakistan, in 55 overs, in Nottingham in 1992, was Pakistan's previous most expensive one-day performance in the field.

Captain Inzamam told reporters: ''That was a poor performance and we were indisciplined in both batting and bowling. But we can play much better than this. These guys have performed well over the last couple of years and I am 100 percent behind them.'' South Africa's Kallis said: ''That's as close to perfection as you can get and all credit must go to our guys. We were positive from ball one and played good cricket to put pressure on them from the start.'' REUTERS MS PM2341