Smith: We played intelligent cricket

South Africa captain Graeme Smith praised his team's all-round display after their series-levelling win over England in Cape Town.

The hosts responded to their seven-wicket defeat in the second ODI with an impressive 112-run win at Newlands on Friday.

Batting first on a good wicket, South Africa smashed 354 for 6 with AB de Villiers leading the way with 121 off just 85 balls.

Teams batting under lights at Newlands rarely taste victory and England were bowled out for 242.

Smith, though, doesn't think conditions played such a big part in their victory.

"I don't think the wicket had anything to do with our win," he said. "It was intelligent cricket, we played with really good intensity and everyone played their role well, especially with the bat. I think 90 per cent of the innings we bowled really well."

After struggling with the ball in the second game in Pretoria, South Africa made two changes to the bowling attack by bringing in Morne Morkel for brother Albie and replacing Charl Langeveldt with Wayne Parnell.

The duo marked their return to the national team by claiming eight wickets between them. Parnell finished with career best figures of five for 48 and Morkel claimed three for 39.

"First change we felt Morne would offer us a little bit more with the pace and bounce on the surface and Parnell was going to take the new ball," Smith said.

"Morne bowled superbly in the area we wanted him to. Both of them gave England something to think about which is encouraging for Sunday."