Leaving behind their disappointing defeats over the past few months against different teams, Pakistan has begun their one day international series against South Africa with a 5-wicket win. The touring side wobbled a few times before wrapping up the opening limited over the game at Port Elizabeth on Saturday with five balls to spare.

Earlier, the Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first. The South African opening pair of Hashim Amla and Reeza Hendricks started the innings on a steady and cautious note and put together an 82-run partnership before Hendricks perished at 45.

Once Dussen departed, David Miller came to the crease and together, with Amla, he guided the South African total to 266 for 2. A slow but steady Amla remained unbeaten for 108 runs off 120 deliveries.

Amla, who had a disastrous year in 2018 with a meager average of just 28.63, began his first ODI game of the New Year with a magnificent century after being joined by debutant batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who chipped in with a magnificent 93 off just 101 balls.

Subsequently, Pakistan began their chase with their openers Imam-ul-Haq, and Fakhar Zaman gave a blazing start to their side. But once Zaman was dismissed Babar Azam, and Haw helped their side go past the 100-run mark. Haq made a glorious 86 while Azam got out for 49 as the duo's departure sent some jitters to the Pakistan camp. 

However, Mohammad Hafeez salvaged the situation, and with his classy 71 off just 63, he helped the touring team win the game in the final over of the match. Shadab Khan played an 18-run unbeaten cameo to help Pakistan achieve the target at a ground where the visiting side didn't lose an ODI over the past few years. Hafeez was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.