Tammy Beaumont ton leads England to series triumph over South Africa

Tammy Beaumont struck a stunning century as England stormed to their fifth-highest ever one-day international total at Leicester on the hottest day of the year to take an unassailable lead in the multi-format series with South Africa.

Beaumont’s 119 from 107 balls set the platform for a third successive ODI success which sees England lead the series 8-2 heading into the three T20 internationals that begin on Thursday with two points available from each game.

England racked up 371 for seven from their 50 overs and it was always going to be too big a chase for the tourists who lasted 45.4 overs in making 262 with some lusty late hitting from Marizanne Kapp (62) and Chloe Kyron (70).

England were put in to bat by South Africa captain Sune Luus despite the heat, and the opening pair of Beaumont and Emma Lamb put on 149 before the loss of the first wicket in the 23rd over.

Lamb continued her impressive form with 65, and Beaumont was a willing partner, hitting her opening 50 from 63 deliveries. South Africa were left to rue missed chances, having three in quick succession – two dropped catches and a missed run out – to break the opening stand.

Beaumont’s century came off 93 balls before she was eventually stumped, Sophia Dunkley then struck a half-century of her own, with Heather Knight also completing a full set of 50s from the top four, with Danni Wyatt adding a quickfire 33 from 14 to take England to their impressive total.

On a day when additional drinks breaks were scheduled during the match to ensure everyone on the field stayed hydrated, England had made two changes with Nat Sciver and Sophie Ecclestone rested. Alice Davidson-Richards and Kate Cross the players coming in.

Davidson-Richards rewarded that faith with figures of three for 35, while there were also three wickets for Lamb and Charlie Dean as South Africa fell short.