South Africa crushed England in the first ODI, sealing a record-breaking win to kick off the three-match series.
England’s batting collapsed at home as they were bundled out for just 131 runs at Headingley on Tuesday. Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder ripped through the hosts, leaving them struggling from the start. Maharaj’s superb spell earned him the Player of the Match award with 4 wickets for 22 runs, while Mulder took 3 for 33.
In reply, Aiden Markram’s explosive innings powered South Africa to victory. Smashing 86 runs off 55 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes, Markram registered the fastest ODI fifty by any South African against England, reaching it in just 23 balls. His brilliance ensured the visitors chased down the target with 175 balls to spare, marking their largest ODI win away from home in terms of balls remaining. Their previous best was against Zimbabwe in 2014, winning with 136 balls left.
For debutant Sonny Baker, it was a day to forget. The 22-year-old conceded 76 runs in 7 overs, the most expensive ODI debut spell by any England bowler, with an economy rate of 10.85.
England’s top order failed miserably, losing regular wickets early. Ben Duckett fell in the third over, while Joe Root and captain Harry Brook couldn’t capitalize on their starts. Jamie Smith stood out with a fluent 54 off 48 balls, but after his dismissal, England crumbled, losing 7 wickets for just 29 runs.
Chasing a modest target, South Africa got off to a blazing start thanks to Markram, who hammered three boundaries in Baker’s opening over and followed up with two sixes and another four in the next. Ryan Rickelton provided steady support, remaining unbeaten on 31 off 59 balls, while Dewald Brevis finished things off in style with a towering six.
Despite losing two late wickets — Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs — the Proteas secured a dominant seven-wicket victory.
The second ODI will be played at Lord’s on Thursday.
Match Summary
- England: 131 in 24.3 overs
(Smith 54, Root 14, Butler 15, Mulder 3/33, Maharaj 4/22) - South Africa: 137/3 in 20.5 overs
(Markram 86, Rickelton 31*, Rashid 3/26)
Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Keshav Maharaj
Series: South Africa lead the 3-match ODI series 1-0
