NEWLANDS: South African batsman AB de Villiers, misses a shot during the 5th and final One Day International (ODI) match, being played against South Africa, at Newlands yesterday, in Cape Town. This match will decide the ODI series as both teams have won 2 matches. — AFP

CAPE TOWN: AB de Villiers hit a series-winning century as South Africa came back from 2-0 down to clinch the one-day international contest 3-2 over England yesterday.

South Africa skipper De Villiers made 101 not out, guiding his team out of trouble at 22-3 as the Proteas ultimately chased down England's below par 236 with ease for a five-wicket win in the deciding game at Newlands. South Africa finished on 237-5 off 44 overs.

De Villiers and Hashim Amla (59) put South Africa back on track after its early troubles with a partnership of 125.

De Villiers got some big-hitting help from David Wiese at the end, with the allrounder smashing two sixes into the crowd against spinner Adil Rashid in his 41 from 32 balls. Wiese also struck five fours as South Africa cruised home at the end.

It wasn't always easy for the home team, which was up against it when Faf du Plessis was bowled first ball and Rilee Rossouw gave away his wicket for 22-3 as England, defending a small target, was given hope by left-arm quick Reece Topley's three early strikes.

Amla and De Villiers, South Africa's old heads, settled the home team and sent the hosts on their way to completing the come-from-behind series victory. Still, there was another mini-wobble when Amla fell and Farhaan Behardien hit a catch straight to mid-on to make it 166-5.

In the end, South Africa's victory in the decider denied England a rare double on this tour after the tourists won the test series 2-1. An ODI series to go with that would have given England a hugely successful tour.

But yesterday, after slipping up in the previous two games, England was put in to bat by the home team and didn't make enough runs. Only Alex Hales got going for the English with the opener making 112 for nearly half of England 236 all out. The next highest score was Ben Stokes' 29.

South Africa's success was set up by an all-round bowling display, with legspinner Imran Tahir, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and allrounder Wiese taking three wickets each. - AP