Hashim Amla led the way as South Africa drew first blood in the three-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka with a 75-run victory in Colombo.
Amla struck a superb 109 and skipper AB de Villiers 75 from just 70 balls to help the tourists – who won the toss – post a formidable 304 for five.
Kumar Sangakkara carried Sri Lankan hopes in a testing run-chase but, despite his 88, they were dismissed for 229.
As such, it was Amla’s contribution that proved decisive, the stylish opener laying a perfect platform with a 130-delivery 109 featuring eight fours and a six.
He was well supported, too, as de Villiers – who was dropped by opposite number Angelo Mathews on 17 – played a typically belligerent hand.
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He hit five fours and one big six, crunching Mathews high over long-off, to set up David Miller’s late fireworks.
The big-hitting number six bludgeoned an unbeaten 36 off just 21 balls, twice clearing the rope over extra-cover.
Kusal Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan got Sri Lanka’s reply off to the perfect start in a half-century opening stand.
Yet their departures prompted a collapse as Imran Tahir struck twice in the middle overs to undermine the home side.
Only Sangakkara prospered, continuing his stunning form in 2014 with an 89-ball innings highlighted by nine fours.
But the number three would pay for receiving minimal support, Tahir finishing with 3-50 as South Africa comfortably triumphed.