James Anderson bowls England to 2-1 lead
England took a 2-1 lead in the ODI series against South Africa as they convincingly won the fourth match in Port Elizabeth by seven wickets. After dismissing the home team for a paltry 119 in 36.5 overs, the visitors finished with 121 for 3 with 18.4 overs to spare. The victory ensured that England could no longer lose the five-match series.
Chasing the small target hardly posed any problems for England as Jonathan Trott and skipper Andrew Strauss (32) put on 74 for the first wicket. Although Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood departed in quick succession, Eoin Morgan joined Trott and the two calmly steered England to victory. Trott got his second ODI half century to remain not out on 52. Morgan remained unbeaten on 28. Johan Botha took 2 for 22.
Earlier James Anderson destroyed the South African batting line-up with a superb display of pace bowling. He finished with 5 for 23, his best figures in ODIs. Only Alviro Petersen (51) stood amid the ruins with his third consecutive half century of the series. Stuart Broad and Collingwood claimed two wickets apiece for 30 and 20 respectively.
Anderson was the undisputed choice for the Man of the Match award.
Brief scores: South Africa 119 (Petersen 51; Anderson 5/23, Broad 2/30, Collingwood 2/20); England 121 for 3 (Trott 52*, Strauss 32; Botha 2/22). England won by 7 wickets.
