Spinning web: Moeen Ali, who was adjudged man of the match for his seven-wicket haul is being congratulated by his England mates at Kingsmead, Wednesday
Durban: Moeen Ali (3/47) spun England to a crushing 241-run win over South Africa on the fifth and final day of the first Test at Kingsmead here Wednesday. Ali took three early wickets as South Africa lost their last six batsmen for 38 runs.
Starting the day on 136 for four, South Africa lost batting kingpin AB de Villiers leg before wicket to the third ball of the day when he went back on his stumps to a ball from Ali which skidded through and hit him low on his pads.
With the third ball of his next over, Ali struck again when Temba Bavuma skipped down the wicket to a ball which drifted past his bat to provide Jonny Bairstow with an easy stumping.
Only two more runs were scored before Steven Finn (4/42) bowled nightwatchman Dale Steyn. The bearded Ali claimed his third wicket of the morning when Kyle Abbott, like De Villiers, went back on his stumps and was leg before wicket.
JP Duminy, one of the batsmen whose form has been a concern for South Africa, made 26 not out before Stuart Broad wrapped up the win by having Morne Morkel leg before wicket.
Ali’s consistency while bowling long spells enabled England captain Alastair Cook to rotate his fast bowlers and Ali finished with match figures of seven for 116. Finn took six wickets in the match and Stuart Broad five.
In a desperate bid to salvage the situation the South African selectors added glovesman Quinton de Kock and pace bowler Chris Moris to the squad for the second Test starting Saturday at Cape Town.
Brief scores: England 303 and 326; South Africa 214 and 174 (Steven Finn 4/42, Moeen Ali 3/47). England won the match by 41 runs. AFP