ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Even with captain Graeme Smith injured Jacques Kallis sick, South Africa strolled past Pakistan to win the first of their five One-Day Internationals by eight wickets yesterday.

South Africa reached 207-2 in 39.3 overs after dismissing Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, for 203 in 49 overs.

Kallis scored an unbeaten 66 before he retired ill, while AB de Villiers made 51. Smith also retired hurt on 18 after injuring his finger, his exit not making any difference as the Proteas coasted home at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Smith went to the hospital for a precautionary X-ray, said team doctor Mohammed Moosajee.

“As far as Kallis is concerned,” Moosajee said, “from late afternoon he suffered from a viral attack. He developed nausea and dizziness. He was dehydrating due to the combination of medicines he has been taking and that became worse towards the end.”

Fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe did much of the early damage for South Africa by taking 4-27 to earn the Man of the Match award.

“I have been working very hard on my bowling,” Tsotsobe said. “All the hard work put in is paying off right now. I am feeling strong.

“As far as my rhythm and bowling action is concerned I think it can improve . But it is not bothering me. It is not much of an issue. I am happy with the way I am bowling.”

Pakistan had looked to be heading for a respectable total until Tsotsobe picked up three wickets in nine balls to leave Shahid Afridi’s men struggling.

From 140-1, Pakistan slumped to 203 all out, losing nine wickets for 63 runs without using up their full 50 overs. Only opener Mohammed Hafeez, with a patient 68 off 84 balls and Younis Khan’s 54-run knock on his comeback, saved Pakistan more blushes.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said the batting let them down again.

“There was nothing wrong in electing to bat as it is a good pitch,” he said. “We got a good start but once again our lower middle-order let us down. Hopefully we will come back in the remaining series.”

Tsotsobe bowled an initial spell of six overs for a mere 13 runs and picked up opener Asad Shafiq’s wicket before coming back with his decisive spell. Charl Langeveldt and spinner Johan Botha picked up two wickets.

Botha, who dismissed Khan and Hafeez, said, “We needed to get those two wickets and we did that. Then our seamers came back to finish the job. It was an important phase of the game. All in all it was a great game.

“We know Pakistan will come back strongly but we hope to carry a 2-0 lead to Dubai.”

The second match is tomorrow.