Moeen Ali made an impressive return to ODI cricket as England chased down a 257 target and triumphed by two wickets in the third and final encounter with South Africa in Johannesburg.
The Worcestershire CCC all-rounder had last played a competitive match for his country six months ago – and this his first ODI appearance since sharing in England’s World Cup[ triumph.
But, after two warm-up games, Moeen quickly settled back into the groove as England levelled the series at 1-1.
He bowled 10 overs for just 42 runs and picked up the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen for five.
Moeen then hit an unbeaten 17 with three boundaries to see England over the finishing line with 6.4 overs to spare.
The 32-year-old came into the attack with South Africa 76-1 off 17 overs as the fifth bowler used by Eoin Morgan.
He bowled his overs in one spell and made a breakthrough when van der Dussen went back, tried to punch a shot down the ground, and was bowled.
South Africa were than 94-3 in the 22nd over.
Quinton de Kock did manage to hit Moeen for a six over mid wicket but he bowled 33 dot balls and ensured the scoring rate was kept under control.
He came out of the attack with the Proteas 161-5 off 36 overs and they eventually totalled 256-7.
When England batted, Moeen came to the wicket at 232-5 and settled into his stride with four through point off Beuran Hendricks and another through mid on against Lungi Ngidi.
Although three wickets fell quickly, Moeen sealed victory with his third boundary – through the covers – off Lutho Sipamla and then a single.
