Pollock admits misjudging pitch after SA win

South African captain Shaun Pollock admitted misjudging the pitch after his team beat India by six wickets in their first one-day international on Friday.

India totalled 279 for five, to which South Africa replied with 280 for four win with 10 balls to spare in the opening match of the triangular series that will also feature Kenya.

Pollock, who won the toss and sent India in to bat, told reporters he expected the pitch to be less favourable for batting.

"We misjudged the wicket," Pollock said. "We thought there would be a lot more bounce and nip in it, that's why we elected to bowl first. But after the first few overs we realised it was a good wicket."

Man of the match Gary Kirsten, who carried his bat for an undefeated 133 off 153 balls with 13 fours, and Herschelle Gibbs, who scored 48, laid the foundation for South Africa's win with an opening stand of 114 off 108 balls.

"They're in superb form and they're doing a great job for us," Pollock said of his opening pair.

Kirsten told reporters: "They posted a good total, so we had to get off to a fast start. We got that, and then it was a question of keeping up with the rate."

However, he warned that South Africa would not have it all their own way during a summer in which their other opponents would be Kenya and Australia.

"We're going to get into some tough games this season, but hopefully we can maintain our momentum," Kirsten said.

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly credited the South Africans for their clinical performance.

"There was a big total on the board, but they played very well and they never looked in any trouble at any stage of the game," Ganguly told reporters. "All credit to the South Africans.

Ganguly said his team would not lose heart after their defeat in the first match of the triangular series.

"I thought we could have bowled a bit better but it's the first game of the series and there's a lot of cricket ahead, so we've got to learn from this," Ganguly said.

"We bowled too short on this wicket - we've got to learn to be more accurate."

The Indian skipper scored 127 in an opening stand of 193 with Sachin Tendulkar, who made 101. It was the biggest partnership for any wicket by India against South Africa.

"I'm pretty happy with the way I hit the ball, and I hope I continue to do so throughout the series," Ganguly said.

Mail Cricket Editor