South Africa v England

At Bloemfontein, February 2, 2005 (day/night). Tied. Toss: South Africa. One-day international debut: A. B. de Villiers.

Memories of great South African chokes from the past were rekindled as they failed to score three runs from the last six balls to win, producing the 20th tie in 2,219 one-day internationals, and South Africa's fifth in less than six years. The word "eventful" barely does justice to the last over. It began when Boucher swung a chest-high no-ball from the inexperienced Kabir Ali to the boundary, before pulling another full toss straight to Giles in the deep; continued with Prince being run out by Bell; and ended with Hall stumped first ball on a dazed meander from the crease. England celebrated like winners, which they expected to be when Pietersen struck 108 not out from 96 balls, a maiden hundred for his adopted country. With four sharp chances either going to ground or falling short he enjoyed enough good fortune to last an entire series, and the kiss he planted on his helmet after reaching three figures may have been the most passionate-looking ever witnessed on a cricket field. Pietersen's fifth-wicket stand of 92 from 79 balls with Collingwood appeared decisive, but Kallis and Gibbs manoeuvred the ball simply and effectively in mid-innings before Kemp upped the pace to produce the tense finale.

Man of the Match: K. P. Pietersen.