Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Collingwood steers England to win against South Africa

November 22, 2009 22:00 IST

Paul CollingwoodPaul 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 on Sunday.

The all-rounder scored an unbeaten 105 as England reached their target of 251 with four overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match contest after the first game in Johannesburg was washed out by rain on Friday.

England slipped to 45 for two but Collingwood led the recovery with his fifth ODI century, off 108 deliveries 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. Collingwood and Trott put on 162 for the third wicket off 189 deliveries.

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), coming into the side in place of the injured Jacques Kallis, and JP Duminy (41) when they put on 73 for the third wicket. Alviro Petersen also struck 64 in 65 balls going in at number five.

Collingwood started his day well by taking a wonderful diving catch at backward point to dismiss AB de Villiers for two off paceman James Anderson.

The former captain, who passed Alec Stewart (170) as England's most-capped ODI player, also bowled his medium-pacers to good effect to remove Amla and the dangerous Albie Morkel (6).

Trott's medium-pace was effective as he conceded just 21 runs in seven overs while Anderson claimed three for 60 as several South Africans played themselves in before giving their wickets away.

The third match is in Cape Town on Friday.