PORT ELIZABETH, Feb 5: Captain Graeme Smith struck his maiden one-day century to lead South Africa to a three-wicket victory in the third one-day international against England on Friday (partly reported in Saturday's edition).

Smith scored 105 as South Africa overcame England's total of 267 for eight with five balls to spare, the hosts securing only their second one-day international victory in the last 15 matches to level the seven-match series at 1-1.

Smith, who faced 131 balls and hit nine fours, received good support from Herschelle Gibbs who scored 50 in a third-wicket stand of 107 but the captain enjoyed his fair share of luck.

Smith was 53 when he attempted to on-drive a delivery from medium pacer Paul Collingwood and was dropped by acting captain Marcus Trescothick at mid-off.

Smith also escaped being run out for 58 when wicketkeeper Geraint Jones broke the stumps without the ball after Kevin Pietersen lobbed an underarm throw from mid-wicket.

The skipper was finally dismissed in the 42nd over when left-arm spinner Giles trapped him lbw with a turning delivery.

AB de Villiers, Nicky Boje and Jacques Kallis were dismissed cheaply in the space of 10 overs before Smith and Gibbs began their stand.

The partnership lasted until the 39th over, when Gibbs was lbw to fast bowler Darren Gough.

Smith's dismissal was followed two balls later by Justin Kemp being bowled by Collingwood for nine and South Africa lost three wickets for 10 runs in 21 balls.

South Africa had lost three wickets in the final over of the last match to allow England to escape with a tie but Mark Boucher clipped 33 off 21 balls to take the hosts to within 11 runs of victory.

He was trapped in front by Gough in the 48th over but Ashwell Prince smashed Gough through long-on for four to clinch a rare win for South Africa.

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