PAARL (South Africa), Feb 5: A crisp and confident century from Herschelle Gibbs helped South Africa get their World Cup preparations back on track with a seven-wicket win over provincial side Boland in a warm-up game on Tuesday.
South Africa suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat by Western Province on Saturday, but produced a much more accomplished performance against Boland.
After the home side posted 205 for nine from their 50 overs, the South Africans reached their target with nearly 10 overs to spare, Gibbs retiring immediately after reaching three figures.
Gibbs confirmed he is good touch with a fluent 115-ball innings, including 11 fours.
By the time the opener retired, South Africa required just 26 to win and Jacques Kallis, surprisingly named in the team after suffering injury problems over the weekend, made an unbeaten 43 to see his side home.
Earlier, Boland failed to capitalise on a good start. Graeme Smith struck 57 from 63 balls.—Reuters