Neil McKenzie hit his biggest hundred for nearly three years against an attack including his future Hampshire teammate Imran Tahir.

McKenzie’s unbeaten 141 for the Highveld Lions against the Natal Dolphins helped his side amass 391-5 after losing the toss on the first day of their Super Sport Series match in Johannesburg.

The former South Africa batsman, who will be playing with Tahir for the first time at The Rose Bowl next season, faced 229 balls and hit 17 fours on the way to his highest score since his last Test hundred, an unbeaten 155 against India in Chennai in March 2008.

Leg-spinner Tahir took 1 for 117 from his 25 overs and Dolphins debutant Ravi Bopara (12-0-59-0) also failed to make an impact with the ball.