England’s white-ball campaign against South Africa began in disastrous fashion as the hosts collapsed to a paltry 131 before losing the opening ODI by seven wickets with 175 balls to spare at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday.
What was supposed to be a 50-over contest turned into a one-sided encounter that resembled a T20 game in length and intensity.
Maharaj and Mulder Spark England Meltdown
Electing to bowl first, South Africa — finalists at the 2024 World T20 — made light of the absence of Kagiso Rabada by tearing into England’s middle order. Keshav Maharaj starred with a superb 4-22 in 5.3 overs, while Wiaan Mulder struck key blows to finish with 3-33. England’s innings folded in just 24.3 overs, their last eight wickets tumbling for a mere 49 runs.
It was a really good wicket with something in it, and our bowlers used it well. England are tough in their own conditions, so it’s great to see our plans work.
Markram’s Firepower Finishes the Job
South Africa made short work of the chase, racing to 137 in just 20.5 overs. Aiden Markram was in devastating form, smashing 86 off 55 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes. Ryan Rickelton played the supporting role with an unbeaten 31 from 59 deliveries. England debutant Sonny Baker endured a nightmare outing, leaking 76 runs in seven overs — many of them carved away by Markram, who reached a blistering 12-ball half-century.
Even a bizarre twist late on — when Adil Rashid dismissed Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs off consecutive deliveries to stand on a hat-trick with just one run left — couldn’t change the outcome.
England’s Batting Collapse
The innings began with promise as Jamie Smith struck a fluent 54 off 48 balls, guiding England to 82-2. But his dismissal, immediately after reaching his second ODI half-century, sparked a collapse. Skipper Harry Brook was run out for 12 following a mix-up with Smith, and the next seven batters folded for single-digit scores. Ben Duckett (5) and Joe Root (14) were early casualties, the latter falling to a superb diving catch by Rickelton.
It was just a bad day. That batting performance wasn’t good enough — and everyone knows it. We need to put it behind us and move on to Lord’s.
Bavuma Wants More of the Same
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, returning after a hamstring issue, hailed the performance as a continuation of their good run in Australia. “Clinical with the ball, led by Aiden with the bat — it’s the kind of start we wanted. Lord’s will be different, but we’ve set our standard here,” said Bavuma.
Brief Scores: England 131 all out in 24.3 overs (Jamie Smith 54; Keshav Maharaj 4-22, Wiaan Mulder 3-33) South Africa 137/3 in 20.5 overs (Aiden Markram 86, Ryan Rickelton 31 not out; Adil Rashid 3-26) South Africa won by 7 wickets
