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Kallis century helps Proteas to series win over Windies

Jacques Kallis eased to his 16th one-day international century as South Africa cruised to a series-winning seven-wicket win against the West Indies at St George's Park on Sunday.

Kallis finished with 121 not out as South Africa overhauled the West Indian total of 252 for seven with 14 balls to spare, clinching the series with two matches still to play.

The South African batsmen were seldom under pressure after Kallis and captain Graeme Smith put on 82 for the second wicket.

That the West Indies made a competitive total was mainly due to Marlon Samuels, who made 98 before being caught in the deep off the last ball of the innings.

South Africa made a relatively slow start to the run chase on an easy-paced pitch, only scoring 49 for the loss of Herschelle Gibbs in the first 12 overs.

But first-change bowler Fidel Edwards conceded 20 runs in his first two overs and from there on the hosts were always on target to take a winning 3-0 lead in the series.

Smith made his second successive half-century before being caught at midwicket off Samuels, who followed up his fine innings by taking one for 38 with his off-spin.

Kallis always looked in control as he reached his fifty off 68 balls and his century off 120 deliveries.

Kallis and JP Duminy sealed the win with an unbeaten fourth wicket stand of 88.

Duminy, who made 79 not out and 68 in the first two matches, hit 36 not out.

Samuels made his 98 off 88 balls to give the West Indies some hope of getting back into the series after Bravo won the toss for the first time in four matches.

He slammed seven fours and four sixes, enabling the West Indies to boost a flagging run rate and to score 91 runs off the last ten overs.

The inexperienced opener Sewnarine Chattergoon (52) and debutant Barbadian Patrick Browne (35) provided a solid foundation for the innings, putting on 75 for the second wicket off 103 balls.

Chattergoon, a left-hander from Guyana, playing in his fifth one-day international, looked a capable, compact player in an 81-ball innings, hitting seven fours and a six.
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