Hampshire’s James Vince made a winning start as captain of the England Lions one-day side.
Vince’s men drew first blood in their unofficial one-day international series with South Africa A with a four-wicket victory.
Ben Stokes starred for England, taking 4-22 as the hosts were bowled out for 172 after being asked to bat first in Bloemfontein. The Durham all-rounder then followed up with a vital 31 before Samit Patel and Liam Plunkett put on an unbroken 39-run stand to see the Lions home.
Vince had earlier made a seven-ball duck in England’s reply which, at one stage, was stuttering at 88-4.
The next match in the series takes place on Wednesday.
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