Pietersen ton helps Three Lions secure series spoils

ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook could not manage a third straight ODI century on Saturday but he and opening partner Kevin Pietersen effectively sealed a nine-wicket win over Pakistan, with a partnership of 170 in pursuit of a target of 223, to claim the four-game series spoils.

Pietersen’s century (111 not out) in Dubai triggered Ladbrokes’ refund on all losing match bets for a third successive clash. And spokesman Alex Donohoe said the firm handed back around £50,000 but confirmed the same offer stands for Tuesday’s finale at the International Cricket Stadium and have chalked up 2-1 about another Three Lions ton.

Early best prices for the fourth ODI are 10-11 England (Hills) and 11-10 Pakistan (Betfred and Blue Square). A 4-0 England clean sweep had been 18-1 with bet365 before the start of the series on Monday.

Pietersen had been a standout 9-2 with Ladbrokes to top-score in the third ODI and 8-1 with Hills to reach three figures. 

Cook, advised to a hit a fifty by RPSPORT’s James Milton at 2-1, made 80.