BRIAN Lara blamed his West Indies team's lack of effort for their record 209-run humbling by South Africa in the first one-day international.
The tourists crashed to 54 all out, and Lara said the effects of the Newlands floodlights were no excuse.
"It is a bit difficult batting second under lights but the effort was not good enough," he said.
"This is the lowest we can get so hopefully we're going to improve from here."
The second game in the seven-match series is at Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.
Lara added: "There are a lot of one-dayers to go and I'm almost sure the guys are going to get things together over the next couple of days."
Jacques Kallis hit his fifth successive century, the first four having come in the recent Test series, to lead the hosts to 263-4 and gain the man-of-the-match award.
The burly all-rounder described hitting his first one-day century at his home ground as a "fantastic feeling".
Kallis added: "I'm enjoying the summer so far so it's important to keep going."
South Africa captain Graeme Smith was full of admiration for his side's all-round performance.
He went on: "I don't think the wicket was the easiest to bat on so it was a great batting performance to get to 260.
"And our boys bowled superbly."
Shaun Pollock was a model of economy, conceding just nine runs in six overs.
But Makhaya Ntini and the recalled Lance Klusener were the most successful bowlers, with three wickets each.
Klusener, back in the side after almost a year out of favour, did not get a chance to bat, but impressed with his pace and control.
"We were ready for him to get in and tonk a few out of the ground but I'm sure he'll get the opportunity in the rest of the series," Smith said.
"It was fantastic to see him take responsibility with the ball and bowl so well. (BBC Sport).