England scored a 59-run victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI of the three-match series, thanks to centuries from Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan, followed by a six-wicket haul from Jofra Archer.

After losing three wickets with 14 runs on the board, Malan (118) and Buttler (131) put on a huge partnership of 232 for the fourth wicket to take England to 346/7 in 50 overs. South Africa’s reply got off to a shaky start as several batters got starts but lost wickets at regular intervals.

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Heinrich Klaasen (80 from 62 balls) and opener Reeza Hendricks (52) fought valiantly, but it was Archer who proved to be the standout performer as he took a career-best 6-40 as the hosts were bowled out for 287.

This victory allowed England to avoid a whitewash in the series, as South Africa had already claimed a 2-1 victory. Malan and Buttler helped England post the highest ODI total at Kimberley by some way, surpassing the 304-5 Sri Lanka scored in 2012. Moeen Ali chipped in with 41 from 28 at the end to push the total even higher.

South Africa are still in with a chance of automatic qualification for the ODI World Cup in India later this year and must win both ODIs against the Netherlands in March and April to ensure qualification.