Pakistan suffer record one-day hammering

CENTURION, South Africa, Feb 4 (Reuters) A ferocious, late onslaught by Mark Boucher took South Africa to a massive 392-6 from 50 overs in the first one-day international against Pakistan today.

Boucher plundered 78 off just 38 balls as South Africa, sent in to bat, hammered Pakistan, who conceded their highest ever total in one-day internationals.

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 just 47 deliveries, with 15 fours, and when seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan returned for a second spell he hit him for 27 in an over which included six fours, two wides and a no-ball.

Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez promptly had Smith stumped by Kamran Akmal off his second delivery and the same combination also claimed the wicket of Loots Bosman (4) in the same over.

But Jacques Kallis (88 not out) and Ashwell Prince (39) kept the scoreboard moving.

Then Boucher took advantage of the closing overs to hit nine fours and four sixes, including 22 runs in one Hafeez over.

England's mark of 363 for seven against Pakistan, in 55 overs, in Nottingham in 1992, was the Pakistanis' previous worst one-day hammering.

Reuters SAM RS1806