KENT wicket keeper Geraint Jones played a vital role in England’s second one-day victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Jones went to the crease with England struggling on 121-5 after the visitors had won the toss and chosen to bat first.

He was joined by Kevin Pietersen and the pair put on a record sixth-wicket partnership of 120 from 85 balls as Jones made a maiden half-century.

Jones was eventually dismissed for a quickfire 66 from 46 balls while Pietersen remained unbeaten on 77 from 76 balls.

It paved the way for England to set a total of 263-6 from their 50 overs.

Jones then bagegd a catch behind the stumps in the Zimbabwe reply as the hosts were skittled out for 102 in the 36th over.

England captain Michael Vaughan said: “The key was the partnership between Pietersen and Jones, who I thought played gems if innings.

“We were around 120-5 and looking at a 200 target, but that partnership took the game away from them.”

The win puts England 2-0 ahead in the four-match series.