Pietersen is England hero

Kevin Pietersen engineered a consolation ICC Champions Trophy win for England over holders West Indies.

Hampshire batsman Pietersen struck an unbeaten 90, his first half-century in nine one-day international knocks, to guide Andrew Flintoff's men home by three wickets at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

The result provided a timely boost ahead of next month's Ashes defence and the sight of Flintoff coming on first change with the ball offered another bright spot at the end of a disappointing campaign.

Pietersen kept his composure, after England wobbled in mid-innings, as England got to their 273-run target with nine balls to spare.

When Sajid Mahmood joined Pietersen in the 45th over, the contest was slipping away with 41 still required.

But some typical Pietersen hitting, which culminated with a thunderous six over long-off off Dwayne Bravo to bring the scores level in the 48th over, sealed a happy ending to an otherwise miserable return in Group A.

Mahmood struck the winning runs when he clipped fast bowler Jerome Taylor through the on-side for four.

It completed the biggest successful chase in a low-scoring tournament, which until now did not include a century.

That statistic was addressed emphatically by man-of-the-match Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, who registered their 14th and maiden efforts of their one-day careers in West Indies' 272 for four.

Andrew Strauss provided gusto to the pursuit as he struck 50, off only 47 deliveries, during a stand of 82 with opening partner Ian Bell, one fewer than they managed against Australia last weekend.