Smith ton sets up SA victory

Captain Graeme Smith scored a maiden ODI century as South Africa beat England by three wickets with five balls to spare in the third one-day...

Captain Graeme Smith scored a maiden ODI century as South Africa beat England by three wickets with five balls to spare in the third one-dayer on Friday.

Smith made 105 from 131 balls and put on 107 for the fourth wicket with Herschelle Gibbs (50) as the home side chased down England’s 267 for eight to level the seven-match series at 1-1. The touring side, who opted to bat, extended the drama with three wickets for 18, including those of Smith and Gibbs, to make it 214 for six.

But, with 35 still needed off the last five overs, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher hammered 33 off 21 balls to help the South Africans home. It was only their second win in 15 one-dayers.

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Seamer Matthew Hoggard, normally England’s most reliable bowler, took one for 66 off nine overs.

Earlier, Vikram Solanki top-scored for England with 66 and shared half-century stands with Geraint Jones (39), Andrew Strauss (35) and Kevin Pietersen (33). Quick bowlers Andre Nel and Makhaya Ntini both took three wickets.

Brief scores

England: 267-8 in 50 overs (M.Trescothick 33, G.Jones 39, V.Solanki 66,; Ntini 3-58, Nel 3-49) lost to South Africa 267/8 (G Smith 105, H Gibbs 50, M Boucher 33).

(4th One Day International: Live on ESPN – 1:30pm)

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