19 Feb 2012

Pietersen ton helps England ease to series win over Pakistan

7:54 am on 19 February 2012

England's cricketers have beaten Pakistan by nine wickets in the third one-day international in Dubai to win the series.

The victory came on the back of 111 not out from Kevin Pietersen - his first ODI century since November 2008 - as the tourists easily chased a modest 223-run target in 37 overs and two balls to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match series.

Shahid Afridi made 51 and Umar Akmal 50 to help Pakistan recover from a difficult position of 97 for five, before the English bowlers got to work.

Steven Finn took three for 24 and Stuart Broad three for 42 to knocked Pakistan out in 50 overs.

England won the first match by 130 runs and the second by 20 runs - both in Abu Dhabi.