Klusener shines in South African victory

South Africa warmed up for the one-day series against the West Indies which starts at Sabina Park on Saturday by beating Jamaica by six wickets at the same venue.

Chasing 186 for victory on Wednesday, South Africa made an indifferent start when they lost Gary Kirsten (9) and Boeta Dippenaar (13) cheaply.

But Herschelle Gibbs again impressed as he came to the rescue with six boundaries in his 54. Although Jonty Rhodes fell one short of his half-century when he was adjudged lbw to Wavell Hinds, the game was already won.

In another plus for the South Africans, Lance Klusener confirmed his return to form with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 42.

Earlier, Klusener picked up 5-23 from his 10 overs, generating substantial movement through the air as he clean bowled three Jamaican batsmen.

He was well supported by 21-year-old Justin Ontong. Playing in full South African colours for the first time, he took two for 38 in his 10 overs.

The top scorer for Jamaica was hard-hitting opener David Bernard junior, whose 59 came off 89 balls and included eight fours.

Bernard received a reprieve when he was dropped by stand-in wicketkeeper Dippenaar off Makhaya Ntini on 29.

Ricardo Powell was last out for 52, an innings which included three enormous sixes off left-arm spinner Paul Adams.

Mail Cricket Editor