Sam Northeast's innings of 64 wasn't enough to save England U19s from losing their series-deciding one-day international against South Africa in Cape Town on Monday.

The Kent opener figured in a third-wicket century partnership with Josh Cobb (84) as England made 229 all out, and South Africa then clinched a 3-2 series victory by reaching 230-5 with five overs to spare.

England, who had come from 2-0 down to square the series with back-to-back victories in Paarl at the weekend, were left to reflect on what might have been.

When England batted Northeast, who lives in Deal, was out in the 60s for the third time in four matches, having reached his fifty off 66 deliveries, before eventually being trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Dale Deeb.

The two sides now meet in two Twenty20 matches, with the first game in Cape Town on Wednesday.