Amla century drives South Africa to 301-8

Paarl (South Africa): Hashim Amla`s 112 drove South Africa to 301-8 against Sri Lanka in the first one-day international at Boland Park here doday, despite 5-53 from fast bowler Lasith Malinga.

Amla shared a 144-run partnership with Jacques Kallis (72) and a 91-run stand with new limited-overs captain AB de Villiers (52) after Malinga struck as early as the third over to remove Graeme Smith. Amla hit eight fours in his 112 off 128 deliveries and De Villiers made a rapid half-century off just 40 balls in his first game as ODI skipper. But Malinga returned with a typically devastating spell near the end to remove Amla, Albie Morkel (25), Faf du Plessis and Dale Steyn to slow South Africa`s scoring. He dismissed Du Plessis and Steyn in the final over. Bureau Report