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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.

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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).

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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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