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| Friday, 4 February 2005 |
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Pietersen hits century: Thrilling one-day tie BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa, Thursday (AFP) South Africa lost three wickets in the last over as the second one-day international against England ended in a tie at Springbok Park Wednesday. South African-born Kevin Pietersen caned an unbeaten 108 off 96 balls as England made 270 for five after they were surprisingly sent in on a good batting pitch. South Africa were on target to win as Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs put on 134 off 161 balls for the third wicket, then needed just three off the last six balls with inexperienced Kabir Ali bowling for England. The over had started with South Africa needing eight runs with five wickets in hand. Ali bowled a high full toss which was called no-ball and hit for four by Boucher. But Boucher hit the next ball, another full toss, to Ashley Giles at deep midwicket. Shaun Pollock took a single but Ashwell Prince was run out off the first ball he faced as he fed the strike back to Pollock. Another single from Pollock left new batsman Andrew Hall facing the last delivery. Ali bowled it full and just outside off stump, Hall missed and Geraint Jones made a stumping as Hall stepped out of his crease. "We're pretty delighted to tie the game after the situation we were in," said Marcus Trescothick, who acted as captain in the field because Michael Vaughan was ill. The result meant England stayed 1-0 ahead in the seven-match series. South Africa have won only one of their last 14 matches but captain Graeme Smith said his players had put in a big team effort. "It was disappointing not to win but we move to Port Elizabeth (for the third match) and we will take a lot of confidence there. When you go through a trough like we've done it's important to get that confidence back and learn how to win games." Playing in his sixth one-day international, Pietersen, 24, celebrated his maiden century by repeatedly kissing the England badge on his helmet. It was an emphatic riposte to South African crowds who have given him a hostile reception after he made some outspoken comments about his allegiance to his adopted country. Pietersen was not originally selected for the series in South Africa but was called up after some impressive performances in his debut series in Zimbabwe last November. Wednesday's innings took his total of international runs to 234 in five innings. He has only been dismissed once. "It's fantastic. I'm just thrilled to be on this tour and representing England," said Petersen, who praised Kabir Ali. "He showed the biggest bit of character and did a great job." |
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