England goes 2-0 up

February 07, 2016 01:01 am | Updated 01:01 am IST - PORT ELIZABETH:

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.

After electing to bat, the hosts posted 262 for seven in its 50 overs on a slow wicket that produced nothing like the run-fest of Bloemfontein three days earlier.

Hales took England close to its target with a patient 99 from 124 balls as it reached 263 for five from 46.2 overs.

The touring side now leads the five-match series 2-0 with the third game in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Earlier, A.B. de Villiers returned to form as he top-scored for South Africa 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 still needed 61 to win but was steered home by an excellent 48 not out from 28 deliveries by Jos Buttler.

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