England opener Alex Hales fell one short of a second one-day international century as his team completed a comfortable five-wicket victory over South Africa on Saturday.
The hosts won the toss in the second game of the series and posted 262-7 in their 50 overs on a slow wicket that produced nothing like the run-fest of Bloemfontein three days earlier.
Hales took England close to their target with a patient 99 from 124 balls as they reached 263-5 from 46.2 overs.
Photo: Reuters
The touring side now lead the five-match series 2-0 with the third game due to be played in Pretoria tomorrow.
A.B. de Villiers returned to form as he top-scored for South Africa’s with 73 from 91 balls, supported by Faf du Plessis (46) and J.P. Duminy (47).
Seamer Reece Topley recorded career-best bowling figures for England of four for 50 from nine overs, including the early scalp of Hashim Amla (4).
England lost opener Jason Roy (14) early in their reply, but Hales, usually an explosive opening batsman, played an innings of accumulation rather than brute force, scoring just eight fours.
He fell one shy of his second one-day century when he was caught by South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off the bowling of Kyle Abbott after the ball brushed his glove.
England still needed 61 to win, but were steered home by an excellent 48 not out from 28 deliveries by Jos Buttler.
He was ably supported by Moeen Ali (21 not out) as the pair put on 61 in just five overs against the wilting home attack to turn a tense run chase into a stroll.
Abbott, restored to the South Africa side after injury, was the pick of the home bowlers with three for 58 from nine overs.
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