Paul Collingwood marked his record 171st one-day appearance with an unbeaten century to lead England to a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa on Sunday.
The all-rounder scored 105 not out as England reached their target of 251 with four overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match contest after the first game in Johannesburg was washed out by rain on Friday.
England slipped to 45 for two but Collingwood led the recovery with his fifth ODI century, off 108 deliveries with seven fours and two sixes.
Opener Jonathan Trott, continuing his excellent start to the tour, also played with calm assurance as he hit 87 off 119 balls.
Collingwood, who surpassed Alec Stewart (170) as England’s most-capped ODI player, and Trott put on 162 for the third wicket.
“It was a very proud day to be able to celebrate the record like that,” Collingwood told reporters. “Everything went pretty much perfectly both as an individual and a team.”
“It’s not far off one of my best innings for England, the way it turned out was special. Jonathan Trott judged the anchor role to perfection and I enjoyed the whole innings,” he said.
Earlier, South Africa made 250 for nine after being put in to bat on a slow pitch that offered early assistance to the seamers.
The highest partnership for the hosts was between opening batsman Hashim Amla (57), coming into the side in place of the injured Jacques Kallis, and JP Duminy (41) when they put on 73 for the third wicket.
Alviro Petersen also stAruck 64 in 65 balls.
Collingwood started his day well by taking a wonderful diving catch at backward point to dismiss AB de Villiers for two off paceman James Anderson.
The former captain also bowled his medium-pacers to good effect to remove Amla and the dangerous Albie Morkel (6).
Trott’s medium-pace was also effective as he conceded just 21 runs in seven overs while Anderson claimed three for 60 as several South Africans played themselves in before giving their wickets away.
“Paul Collingwood is one of those cricketers you’d like to have in your side because he always gives 100 percent and has good character,” South African captain Graeme Smith said.
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