Bloemfontein: England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler scored his fourth ODI century to help his side claim a 39-run win by the Duckworth-Lewis method against South Africa in the opening ODI of the five-match series at the Mangaung Oval here.
In reply to the daunting target of 400 runs, South Africa were restricted to 250 with five wickets remaining in the rain-hit opening match, with opener Quinton de Kock scoring an unbeaten 138 and Faf du Plesis 55 for the hosts.
For the Eoin Morgan-led side, Moeen Ali picked up three wickets, while David Willey and Reece Topley shared two wickets between themselves.
Earlier, openers Jason Roy (48) and Alex Hales (57) made a thunderous start to England’s innings by notching up a brisk 68-run partnership for the opening wicket as the visitors posted 399-9 after opting to bat first.
Buttler smacked 11 boundaries and five sixes in his brilliant knock of 105 runs. He secured his century off just 73 balls.
Subsequently, Ben Stokes continued his rich vein of form, bludgeoning a swift 57 off 38 balls, which includes four boundaries and three sixes.
With the win, England have take 1-0 lead in the series and they will play their next match against South Africa at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. (ANI)