Ben Stokes offered another reminder of his qualities to the selectors after inspiring the England Lions to victory against South Africa A in the opening one-day match of their limited-overs tour.
The Durham all-rounder, who was omitted from the World Cup squad due to the return of experienced seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, took 4-22 as the tourists bowled out South Africa for 172 in 39.3 overs.
Harry Gurney also impressed with 3-26 with the new ball as England's bowlers frustrated the hosts, who were led by David Wiese's 39 from 38 balls.
The total never looked enough in Bloemfontein, and Jason Roy got the chase off to a good start with 43 at the top of the order before being trapped lbw by Marchant de Lange.
43-1 quickly became 88-4 as the innings stuttered, but Stokes added 31 to calm the nerves.
It was left to Samit Patel (17*) and Liam Plunkett (22*) to secure the four-wicket win with an unbeaten partnership of 39.
Callum Mulvihill
