23 Nov 2009

England claim first blood in one day series against South Africa

6:14 am on 23 November 2009

Cricketer 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 in the second match of the series.

The all-rounder scored 105 not out as England reached the target of 251 with four overs to spare to take a 1-nil lead in the five-match contest after the first game in Johannesburg was washed out by rain.

England slipped to 45 for two but Collingwood led the recovery knocking his fifth one day century off just 108 balls 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 with eight fours.

Earlier, South Africa made 250 for nine on a slow pitch that offered early assistance to the seamers.

The highest partnership for the hosts was between opening batsman Hashim Amla (57), and JP Duminy (41) when they put on 73 for the third wicket.