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Hamilton - David Miller was proud have "constructed an innings" after his stunning century on World Cup debut helped South Africa get off to a winning start in Pool B against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
The Proteas were in trouble at 83 for four after losing the toss at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
But that was the end of the wicket-taking for Zimbabwe as Miller (138 not out) and fellow left-hander JP Duminy (115 not out) shared a mammoth stand of 265 -- a new fifth-wicket record for all one-day internationals -- as South Africa piled up an imposing 339 for four.
Zimbabwe were well-placed at 191 for two in the 33rd over as Hamilton Masakadza (80) and Chamu Chibhabha (64) threatened before they lost eight wickets for 86 runs, with South Africa, belying their unwanted reputation as World Cup 'chokers', eventually winning by 62 runs.
Miller faced just 92 balls, including seven fours and nine sixes, but he insisted there was more to his second ODI hundred than blazing hitting.
"I just needed to construct a partnership with someone, and JP Duminy was the man today," said Miller.
"It was tough up front and a bit slow initially, but it (the pitch) definitely eased up towards the end.
"JP and I kept encouraging each other along the way and we knew how important this partnership was to the team.
"There are a lot of positives I can take in how I constructed this innings, especially when rotating the strike with the spinners on. I've been working hard on that part of my game."
South Africa captain AB de Villiers, one of several top-order batsmen who fell cheaply, was relieved to see his side launch their bid for a maiden World Cup title with a victory.
"We are happy with a winning start," he said.
"Zimbabwe played some really good cricket and they put us under a lot of pressure, especially with the ball in the opening 15 overs."
