England clinched the NatWest Series with another dominant performance in a 126-run victory over South Africa at The Oval.Samit Patel finished with five wickets as the tourists were shot out for just 170 in just 42.4 overs in persuit of England's total of 296-7, inspired by another well-timed knock from Andrew Flintoff.
Under the captaincy of Kevin Pietersen, England have now won all three of their completed one-day internationals - they had an ODI against Scotland washed-out - and the fourth Test at the end of the series against South Africa.
They lead the NatWest Series 3-0 with two matches to play, at Lord's on Sunday and Cardiff on Wednesday.
South Africa never got going in their run-chase, only Hashim Amla making any significant contribution (46 from 59 balls) after being brought in to replace injured captain Graeme Smith.
Spinner Patel continued his impressive start to international cricket adding 5-41 to his earlier 31 from 33 balls, while Flintoff returned figures of 2-33.
The big all-rounder had earlier top-scored with 78 not out from 77 balls, although England looked set for a much higher total after they were given a fine start by Ian Bell and Matt Prior.
Bell scored 73 off 77 balls, putting on 101 for the first wicket with Prior (33), England reaching 50 in less than eight overs and passing the hundred-mark immediately after the second powerplay.
Bell's departure started a top-order collapse, Owais Shah (23) and captain Pietersen (5) both falling to Jacques Kallis in quick succession for the addition of just 11 runs.
Their demise brought Flintoff to the crease and the all-rounder produced some punishing strokes with a variety of batting partners.
Former England one-day captain Paul Collingwood (14) briefly kept him company until he edged a Johan Botha delivery to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.
Flintoff then enjoyed a 74-run partnership with Patel before Luke Wright added a quick-fire 17 at the close.
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