Kallis Returns but Proteas Lose

The first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan was more than just an ODI. Jacques Kallis returned to the squad after the last match he played was on the 29th of February 2012 and missed out on 29 ODIs. Ryan McLaren who has taken 39 wickets this year and was the Man of the Series in the UAE was dropped for this ODI.

Steyn and Morkel were on target, taking 3 wickets each and Kallis taking 2 wickets. Restricting Pakistan to 218-9. The Proteas could have dismissed Pakistan for an even lower score, but were disappointed by all their dropped catches, missed run outs and over-throws.
Steyn took the wicket of Hafeez yet again. Hafeez had been dismissed by Steyn 13 times in 20 matches. Yesterday, Hafeez lost his wicket to Steyn for the 4th time in 9 ODIs. Commentator Robin Jackman even exclaimed, "Steyn does him again! Can you believe it!"
The two debutants, Bilawal and Anwar Ali produced a 8th wicket partnership of 74 runs off 71 deliveries, to lift Pakistan. In 50 overs, the Proteas needed 219 runs to win.
On his return, Kallis scored his 86th ODI 50 and his 11th against Pakistan, also passing 11 500 runs but was dismissed on 50.
Unfortunately, Duminy fell one run short of a half century. After his dismissal, the Proteas struggled to score runs, with the required run rate rising. With Steyn and Morkel at the wicket, it looked like the Proteas could win the match. Eventually, the Proteas tumbled, managing only 195 runs.
A little birdie told me Cape Town got the T20 and the ODI because the Proteas lost their match the last time they played at Newlands against Pakistan if I'm not mistaken. I hate to point out the obvious, but wasn't it better for them to lose one match rather than now losing 3? Mhm, just saying.
Pakistan won by 23 runs and lead the 3-match series 1-0. The Proteas will be looking to level the series in the 2nd ODI on Wednesday, to avoid a series defeat.