South Africa produced a record-breaking batting display in Centurion to beat England by seven wickets and keep the one-day international series alive.
Proteas openers Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla made a record chase at SuperSport Park look easy with a 239-run stand that will live long in the memory.
Joe Root’s ODI-best seventh century had helped England post 318 for eight – a total that appeared above par on a pitch that showed some signs of being two-paced.
But any gremlins in the surface were not apparent once the lights came on as De Kock and Amla both reached three figures and combined in a record ODI opening partnership against England.
De Kock was the main aggressor as he extended his golden run in one-day cricket to four centuries in his past six innings. The 23-year-old also became the youngest player to reach 10 ODI tons, breaking the record set by India skipper Virat Kohli, and have come from just 55 matches.
Amla maintained his own century streak at Centurion – he has now reached three figures in his past three ODI visits – and only fell with eight runs still required.
South Africa skipper AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis completed victory with 22 balls to spare.
It was a clinical performance with the series up for grabs and England, who still hold the upper hand after wins in Bloemfontein and Port Elizaeth, will make the short journey south for Friday’s fourth match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg knowing they still have work to do.
More to follow
Source: ECB