Lucknow, Oct 12: In the high voltage contest between two super powers of world cricket on Thursday, South Africa were 310/5 in 49 overs, after being asked to bat first by Australia, here.
Seasoned Quinton de Kock hit a ton, as the Africans accelerated after initial caution. Experienced South African openers duo skipper Temba Bavuma and de Kock began cautiously, perhaps trying to negotiate the initial extra swing in the early overs. But then they changed gears and accelerated putting up a a century stand in 18 overs, without being separated.
However, Bavuma fell to Glenn Maxwell trying to hit big and David Warner making no mistake with the catch. African captain scored 35 in 55 balls, hitting two boundaries.
After the skipper's dismissal, De Kock was joined in the middle by flamboyant Rassie van der Dussen. But he too could not capitalise much being out for 26 off Adam Zampa caught by substitute Sean Abbot.
While the South Africans were incing towards 200, in the 35th over, de Kock was claimed by Maxwell, after he made a convincing 109. He was bowled while trying to play a reverse pull, altering his stand, which only guided him to the pavilion.
Aiden Markram (56 in 44 balls) and Henrich Klassen (29 in 27 balls) played useful knocks.
Earlier, keeping the dew factor in mind during the second innings, the Aussies as expected opted to field first against an evenly matched opposition.
The fresh track at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, here though likely to help the turners later in the day, but mostly a high scoring battle is on cards, some former cricketers have predicted earlier.
