AB de Villiers hit a dazzling century as South Africa swept to a series-levelling 112-run win in the third one-day international against England at Newlands. De Villiers, given the responsibility of filling the No. 3 batting slot, hit 121 off only 85 balls as South Africa piled up 354 for six, a record total in matches between the two countries.

Paul Collingwood hit a defiant 86 for England but the tourists were bowled out for 242 in reply on Friday. It was South Africa’s first win in eight matches against England, after six defeats and one no-result, and levelled the current series with two matches to play.

Seeking the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, England promoted Luke Wright as a pinch hitter to open with skipper Andrew Strauss. Wright hit 24 off 19 balls before holing out to deep midwicket.

Strauss admitted: “South Africa batted superbly and AB de Villiers played a brilliant, top-quality innings.Three hundred and fifty was always going to be a hard score to chase.”

England’s hopes plummeted when Strauss and Jonathan Trott were out in the space of four balls with the total on 58. Collingwood shared stands of 84 with Kevin Pietersen (45) and 64 with Matt Prior (16) before he was caught at mid-on after making 86 off 82 balls.

Recalled fast bowlers Wayne Parnell took five for 48 while Morne Morkel took three for 39.

Brief scores

South Africa 354 for 6 in 50 overs

(H Amla 86, G Smith 54, AB de Villiers 121, A Petersen not out 51; L Wright 2/66) vs England 242 all out in 41.3 overs (K Pietersen 45,

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