England have won the first ODI against South Africa by 39 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain brought a premature end to the day's play in Bloemfontein.

Jos Buttler impressed for the tourists as he reached a century off 73 balls, eventually going for 105 after an innings that included 11 fours and five sixes. He was aided by half-centuries from Alex Hales (57), Joe Root (52) and Ben Stokes (57) to help England reach 399-9 from their 50 overs, their second highest ever total in an ODI.

As the Proteas began their mammoth chase, Quinton de Kock looked more than a match for the prowess of Buttler, reaching his century from just 67.

Hashim Amla, who proved a stubborn opponent for the English during the Test series, went quickly for 6, while Faf du Plessis was on his way to 50 before being taken on the boundary by Hales. The moment of the day came courtesy of Stokes, however, as he produced a remarkable catch on the boundary to claim the scalp of AB de Villiers.

With De Kock (138 not out) and Farhaan Behardien (4 not out) at the crease and the South Africans needing 150 from their remaining 16.3 overs, heavy rain brought an end to proceedings.

The second match of the series takes place Saturday in Port Elizabeth.