Leeds: Kevin Pietersen's golden start to the England captaincy continued as he hit 90 not out to set up a 20-run win in the first one-day international against South Africa at Headingley in Leeds.

Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, who made 78 from 70 balls, yesterday hauled England up from 113-3 after 30 overs to 275-4 from 50 with a stand of 158 for the fourth wicket - a record for 50-over internationals on this ground.

And Pietersen's Midas touch returned in the South African innings when four bowling changes - Steve Harmison (twice), Samit Patel and the captain himself - produced wickets in their first over as the tourists were all out for 255.

Pietersen ended with figures of 2-22 with his off-spin and Harmison 2-43 whilst Flintoff knocked over the tail.

Pietersen said: "The last time Andrew Fintoff batted like that with me was at Edgbaston against Australia in 2005. We gave him a new role at number five. The man is a superstar - I am fortunate to have a bloke like that who I can throw the ball to say knock over the stumps.'

"We asked a lot of the players but we won't be resting on our laurels. The team were brilliant - we started off well and built a good foundation. "And this is the stage where Steve Harmison belongs. He should be playing in front of 30,000, 40,000, 50,000."

South African captain Graeme Smith added: "We know they can hit the ball but if we get our execution right we should never be going for 98 in the last ten. There is a feeling in the dressing room we can do a lot better.