Leeds, August 23:

Kevin Pietersen’s golden start to the England captaincy continued as he struck unbeaten 90 to set up a 20-run win in the first ODI against South Africa here on Friday.

Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, who made 78 from 70 balls, hauled England up from 113-3 after 30 overs to 275-4 with a stand of 158 for the fourth wicket. And Pietersen’s Midas touch returned in the South African innings when four bowling changes — Steve Harmison, Samit Patel and the captain himself — produced wickets in their first over as the tourists were all out for 255. Pietersen took 2-22 and Harmison 2-43.

South Africa set off at pace with Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith taking the score to 50 before Harmison had Smith caught behind and Gibbs was then bowled by Patel to leave Proteas 93-2. And a steady flow of wickets saw England to victory.