Klaasen century as South Africa wins 1st ODI vs Australia

Heinrich Klaasen's first one-day international century successfully set up South Africa for a 74-run win as Australia was bowled out for 217 while chasing 292 in the series-opener on Saturday.

Klaasen, often on the fringes of South Africa's limited-overs teams, made 123 not out from 114 balls as the home team posted 291-7 in Paarl. Klaasen had only one previous half century in ODI cricket and was playing his first one-dayer in more than a year.

South Africa was 48-3 in the 10th over when Klaasen arrived and set about rescuing the innings with his seven fours and three sixes. David Miller supported with a 70-ball 64. Kyle Verreynne also helped with 48 on his ODI debut.

South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen is embraced by team mate David Miller after Klaasen scored his century during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

Australia threatened with an 84-run stand for the third wicket between Steve Smith (76) and Marnus Labuschagne, who made 41 against his country of birth.

Smith's dismissal lbw to fast bowler Anrich Nortje started a collapse, where the Australians lost their last six wickets for 43 runs to be bowled out in 45.1 overs.

Lungi Ngisi took 3-30 for South Africa and Nortje 2-39. Nortje ended it by knocking back Josh Hazlewood's off stump to put the Proteas ahead in the three-match series.

Heinrich Klaasen celebrates his century during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

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South Africa celebrate beating Australia by 74 runs in an ODI cricket match held in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

Australian batsman D'Arcy Short, right, tosses his bat in the air after he was run out by South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

Australian batsman Mitchell Marsh is bowled out by South African bowler Lungi Ngidi during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

South African bowler Tabraiz Shamsi celebrates the wicket of Australian batsman Alex Carey during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

South African bowler Lungi Ngidi, right, celebrates the wicket of Australian batsman Mitchell Marsh during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

Australian batsman Steve Smith, right, smashes the ball toward the boundary while South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock watches on during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)

Australian batsman Steve Smith in action during the ODI cricket match between South Africa and Australia in Paarl, South Africa, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP PhotoHalden Krog)