Associated Press

Cape Town, January 26

South Africa achieved its biggest ever one-day international victory, defeating West Indies by 209 runs, dismissing the tourists for 54 in the first match.

It was the lowest total by West Indies, and its biggest defeat. The previous lowest score was 87 against Australia in 1992-93, and the highest margin of defeat was 138 runs against Pakistan in 1999-2000.

Spearheaded by the bowling of Lance Klusener and good batting by Jacques Kallis, South Africa built a total of 363/4 in 50 overs. Klusener saw the second ball he delivered lifted over backward square leg for six by Ricardo Powell. With his very next delivery, he had Powell caught behind by Mark Boucher for 12.

He took a wicket in each of his next two overs. He had Dwayne Smith caught by Boucher for one, and Ryan Hurley caught at second slip by Kallis for two.

Shaun Pollock and Andre Nel supported Klusener. Pollock struck first, dismissing Chris Gayle for four. Nel then bowled Lara leg before wicket. Nel also claimed the wicket of Ramnaresh Sarwan for 14.

Makhaya Ntini took three for 15, including a diving left-handed catch by Herschelle Gibbs to dismiss Vasbert Drakes for one. Earlier, a good innings by Kallis -- unbeaten 109 -- helped set South Africa.

South Africa struggled to 110 for four after 30 overs had been bowled, but Kallis accelerated during the final 10 overs. He smashed five sixes and six fours reaching his 11th one-day century off 89 balls.

Smith went on to make 53 before he was bowled by off-spinner Ryan Hurley.