England controlled their first triangular match against South Africa from start to finish to ease home by nine wickets with 10.3 overs to spare in Bloemfontein today. The emphatic margin of victory was forged by a disciplined bowling display and backed by a outstanding opening partnership of 165 in 35 overs between captain Nasser Hussain and Nick Knight. South Africa were left to regret a below-par batting performance in favourable conditions and were bowled out for 184 in 49.5 overs. England finished on 185-for 1 wicket. England's emphatic victory over the host nation came refreshingly close to the last-day Test win at Centurion Park, helped, of course, by the positive gesture of South African captain Hansie Cronje, and has suddenly put a more favourable appearance on what has been a very disappointing tour to date. Surprisingly South African never got a look in and the comprehensive defeat - their worst in a one-day game for seven years - muted a sell-out out Sunday crowd.
