South Africa batting middle order warms up ahead of Champions Trophy

Strong batting show against Holland in lone one-day international validates strength claims.

Francois du Plessis, right, provided able support to JP Duminy as they hit 144 runs in last 10 overs against the Dutch at Amstelveen. Robin van Lonkhuihsen / AFP

As the teams gear up this week for the Champions Trophy tournament in England, South Africa are being rated high among teams because of their strong middle order, with batsmen of the likes of the captain AB de Villiers along with Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy and David Miller.

The Proteas middle order raised that notion higher as they beat Holland by 84 runs in a lone one-day international in Amstelveen.

De Villiers and Miller did not bat but Colin Ingram at No 3 set up the platform for the rest to launch into the rookie Holland attack and put up a daunting total of 341 for three.

Hashim Amla moved up the order to open the innings but did not do much as South Africa went down to 38 for two after choosing to bat first.

Duminy, recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, joined Ingram and bludgeoned eight sixes as he smashed a career-best unbeaten 150 in his first knock in seven months.

Along with Ingram (82) and Du Plessis (62 not out), the three ensured 144 runs came in the last 10 overs.

The South Africa-born Eric Szwarczynski compiled a career-best 98 as Holland replied with a respectable 257 for nine, beating their previous best against the Proteas of 168 for eight at the 1996 World Cup.

Szwarczynski was denied his century after being run out while backing up at the non-striker's end.

South Africa take on Pakistan on Monday in a warm-up match for the Champions Trophy.

* Agencies