New Delhi:
England registered an impressive 72-run victory against South Africa in the first one-day international played out at Headingley and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Batting first, England set an imposing 339 total with captain Eoin Morgan stroking his way to a sensational century. Morgan and Moeen Ali (77 not out) resurrected the English innings by forging 117 run partnership after England had slumped to 198 for five.
South Africa, set a mammoth 340 target for victory, were never in the hunt after the world's top-ranked ODI side lost both Hashim Amla (73) and Faf du Plessis (67) in quick succession to be 149 for three.
They were bowled out for 267, with paceman Chris Woakes taking four for 38 as England won with five overs to spare. The series, a warm-up ahead of next week's Champions Trophy tournament in England and Wales, continues at Southampton on Saturday.
Brief scores
England: 339-6, 50 overs (E Morgan 107, M Ali 77 no, A Hales 61)
South Africa: 267, 45 overs (H Amla 73, F du Plessis 67; C Woakes 4-38)
Result: England won by 72 runs
Series: England lead three-match series 1-0.
