3rd ODI: South Africa stay alive in series as Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla's ton flatten England

New Delhi: In a must-win match, South Africa thrashed England by seven wickets in the third ODI played at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Chasing a formidable total of 318 runs set by the visitors, hosts started off in great fashion as Quinton de Kock (135) and Hashim Amla (127) added massive 239-run partnership for the opening wicket.

The formidable platform was capitalised by the other Proteas batsmen and the hosts chased down the target with 22 balls remaining.

Earlier, Joe Root scored his seventh ODI century, studded with 10 fours and five sixes, after Eoin Morgan elected to bat first.

Root added 125 for the second wicket with opener Alex Hales (65) and 82 for the fifth with Ben Stokes (53) before unfortunately being run out in the 43rd over.

South African pacer Kyle Abbott took two for 50 and was the only South African bowler to keep an economy rate of under six an over for the hosts.

Under Morgan's captaincy, England are seeking to become the first touring team to win a test and ODI series in South Africa for 14 years.

England now lead the five-match series 2-1.