Smith ton eases Proteas to win

Captain Graeme Smith hit a brilliant unbeaten century to steer South Africa to a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening one-day international in Chittagong on Sunday.

The tourists rested Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn following a Test whitewash but were on top throughout with first ball and then bat.

Mohammad Ashraful - who has yet to taste victory in an ODI since his appointment as Bangladesh skipper in June 2007 - won the toss and chose to bat but his team were skittled for just 178.

Andre Nel took three for 24 - including his 100th ODI victim - with only Tamim Iqbal providing any resistance.

The opener knocked 82 off 98 balls but had little support from his team-mates, with 15 the next highest score.

The Proteas wasted little time in their response - storming to 180 for one from just 36.5 overs.

Smith led the way with an unbeaten 103 from 118 balls while Herschelle Gibbs struck 57.

Gibbs was the only wicket to fall in the South Africa innings - trapped leg before wicket playing down the wrong line to Shakib Al Hasan.

By then, the tourists were already well on their way, however, at 143 for one.

Smith and Hashim Amla (nine not out) completed the comprehensive triumph with over 13 overs to spare.