Worcester (England), June 26: South African captain Graeme Smith hit a fine 65 as his side gained a morale boosting victory yesterday over Worcestershire ahead of their triangular one day series with England and Zimbabwe. South Africa - who open their series with a match against England at the Oval on saturday - ratcheted up 261-4 with Jacques Kallis topscoring with 66 as they hammered former team-mate Mornantau Hayward all round the ground. The hosts mustered 192, their star batsman ironically was another South African, Justin Kemp - who has been signed by the county as a temporary replacement for compatriot Andrew Hall who is with the touring side - hitting 77. There was little joy for home bowler Kabir Ali, who returned 2-49 after being released specially from the England one day squad for this clash. However, Smith made him and Hayward pay as he and Herschelle Gibbs put on a half century partnership for the opening wicket. Gibbs departed for 27 after being caught by Stephen Peters off Hayward, but that paved the way for Kallis to enter the scene.

While Ali gave the experienced all rounder some problems to start with, once he settled into his groove he and Smith rattled off a 99-run partnership.

The end of the tourists innings was spiced up by a classy 48 not out from Jacques Rudolph to set an imposing total.

Thankfully for Worcestershire Kemp made a fight of it, after they were reduced to 66-4, as he hit 77 off 87 balls but ultimately tight bowling from former skipper Shaun Pollock and an impressive 4-26 from Alan Dawson ensured a comfortable victory.

Bureau Report