Morgan leads from the front in England victory

But they both fell in quick succession to leave the Proteas 149 for three.

South Africa’s innings never recovered and they were dismissed for 267 with five overs to spare. Earlier, Morgan’s 107 -his 10th ODI hundred for England -- was the cornerstone of the hosts’ 339 for six.

England had slumped to 198 for five but Morgan’s sixthwicket stand of 117 with fellow left-hander Moeen Ali, who made a dashing 77 not out on his return, turned the tide.

Both batsmen struck five sixes apiece.

Ali, who ended England’s innings with a six off Chris Morris, was named man-of-thematch after also taking two wickets with his off-spin.

“It was a pretty good day at the office for us,” said Morgan.

“The partnerships we built, gave us the best opportunity to get a par score and beyond.” - ‘Phenomenal’ South Africa skipper AB De Villiers accepted his side had been well beaten, telling Sky Sports: “England played phenomenally well with the bat in hand. ‘Morgs’ really dominated with the hundred.

“We didn’t bat well enough, we definitely should have come a lot closer. We lost Faf and Hash in close succession and that probably stopped us a little bit.”

De Villiers, however, refused to read too much into this result ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“We all have a bit of pressure on us and we’re all contenders to win that trophy,” he said.

“They played better tonight and hopefully we’ll win the next one.” De Villiers chose to field first on a sunny day seeingly ideal for batting.

His decision was quickly rewarded when Jason Roy (one) was caught behind off left-armer Wayne Parnell in just the second over. Both Alex Hales and England Test skipper Joe Root made runs on an easy-paced pitch before they each fell to Andile Phehlukwayo.

The 21-year-old seamer struck with his first ball Wednesday when Hales, on 61, flat-footedly chased a wide ball and got a thin edge to wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock.