Solanki put on 50-stands with Geraint Jones (39), Andrew Strauss (35) and Kevin Pietersen (33) as all England's batsmen made good starts after opting to bat.

South Africa's bowlers, however, kept their discipline, England scoring 58 runs off the last 10 overs while losing four wickets. Andre Nel and Makhaya Ntini finished with three wickets each.

England lead the seven-match series 1-0 after the second game ended in a tie. South Africa have won one of their last 14 one-dayers.