JAIPUR, India, (Reuters) – South Africa tail-ender  Wayne Parnell was run out from the final ball to hand India a  thrilling one-run victory in the first one-day international at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium yesterday.

South Africa, chasing 299 to win, were struggling until Parnell brought the tourists back into contention with a sparkling 49, sharing a 65-run stand for the ninth wicket with new-ball partner Dale Steyn (35).

Steyn clubbed three sixes and a four and Parnell slammed four fours and a six to bring the target down to 10 off the last over, bowled by Praveen Kumar.

Kumar bowled Steyn off the second ball as tension mounted but last man Charl Langeveldt hit three runs off the penultimate ball to leave the tourists needing four off the final ball.

A wide by Kumar reduced the margin further and Parnell  flicked the last ball but was run out on the second run.

Earlier, Suresh Raina hit 58 to steer India, without four main players, to 298 for nine after being asked to bat first.

Stand-in skipper Jacques Kallis anchored South Africa’s chase with 89.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who took two important  wickets in an incisive spell, was adjudged man of the match.

The second ODI will be played in Gwalior on Wednesday.