Gary Kirsten was understandably elated after scoring an unbeaten hundred which may well have secured his place in the South African team for next February's World Cup

The 35-year-old batsman feared his one-day international career was over when he was dropped from the national squad following a tournament in Morocco in August.

His recall for the final two games of the current home series against Pakistan came out of the blue, especially as his form in domestic cricket had been nothing special.

He made the most of his chance by scoring 102 not out in Paarl as his side won by nine wickets.

"It was particularly satisfying considering I've spent the past three weeks in Cape Town not playing much cricket," he said.

"My chances were dwindling. There was very little contact from the selectors other than being told that I had to get some runs.

"I didn't actually think I'd be picked for these two games at all - it came as a surprise, but a nice surprise because I thought if I didn't play in the Pakistan series I wouldn't even be considered (for the World Cup)."

Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis said his team's total of 213 was "60 or 70 runs short" and also cited the absence of all-rounder Wasim Akram asa reason for their defeat.

Wasim was unable to play after damaging his thumb during the previous game in East London.

"We should have scored 260 plus. There were soft dismissals and guys got out once they got in - no one went in there and converted.

"In one-day cricket guys have got to be able to bat through and we didn't do that," said coach Richard Pybus.

"You're not going to defend 213 and although I don't think we bowled very well, the key to this game was batting and we didn't produce."