Morgan ton sets up England win over South Africa
LEEDS, United Kingdom: England captain Eoin Morgan´s fine century laid the platform for a 72-run win over South Africa in the day/night first one-day international at Headingley on Thursday.
Victory over the Proteas, the world´s number-one ranked ODI side, gave England a morale boost just a week before they host the Champions Trophy tournament featuring the world´s top eight 50-over sides and put them 1-0 up in this three-match series.
South Africa, set 340 to win, made steady progress while the experienced Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis shared a second-wicket stand of 112.
But they both fell in quick succession to leave the Proteas 149 for three.
South Africa´s innings never recovered and they were dismissed for 267 with five overs to spare.
Earlier, Morgan´s 107 -- his 10th ODI hundred for England -- was the cornerstone of the hosts´ 339 for six.
England had slumped to 198 for five but Morgan´s sixth-wicket stand of 117 with fellow left-hander Moeen Ali, who made a dashing 77 not out on his return, turned the tide. Both batsmen struck five sixes apiece.
Ali, who ended England´s innings with a six off Chris Morris, was named man-of-the-match after also taking two wickets with his off-spin.
"It was a pretty good day at the office for us," said Morgan. "The partnerships we built, gave us the best opportunity to get a par score and beyond."
-
Commanders star Jayden Daniels suffers another left elbow injury against Cowboys
-
Almgren smashes European record by 35 seconds to claim World Road Championship gold
-
Real Madrid youth team wins U20 Intercontinental Cup after dramatic final
-
UEFA, CONCACAF demand $2.1B from FIFA reserves to challenge Infantino
-
Cleveland Cavaliers promote longtime executive Brandon Weems to general manager
-
Mets’ Jared Young taken to hospital after brutal on-field collision with pitcher Nolan McLean
-
Cristiano Ronaldo named to Portugal’s Nations League squad at 41
-
Josh Allen steals the spotlight at Bills’ new stadium opener