South Africa started their ODI series against England in emphatic fashion, cruising to a seven-wicket win in a match that lasted less than 46 overs. England were bundled out for just 131 in 24.3 overs, their fourth-lowest total against South Africa, before Aiden Markram’s blistering 86 powered the Proteas to victory in 20.5 overs.
England’s batting was lacklustre, perhaps a hangover from a month of non-stop action in The Hundred. They began brightly, with Jamie Smith and Joe Root playing some attractive shots, but once Ben Duckett nicked off early, wickets fell regularly. Smith was the lone resistance, scoring 54, while Harry Brook looked dangerous until a sharp run-out by Tristan Stubbs turned the tide. From 82 for 2, England collapsed spectacularly, losing seven wickets for 29 runs in just 43 balls.
Keshav Maharaj, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, was at his clinical best, taking 4 for 22 with superb control. Wiaan Mulder chipped in with 3 for 33, marking only the second time he has taken three wickets in an ODI. South Africa’s fielding was flawless, holding all seven chances after a poor display against Australia.
Chasing 132, Markram wasted no time. He smashed the fastest fifty by a South African opener, reaching the milestone off just 23 balls, and shared a dominant opening stand of 121 with Ryan Rickelton. Markram’s innings featured an array of clean strikes, including two sixes in one over off debutant Sonny Baker, whose seven overs went for 76 runs — the most expensive debut spell in England’s history.
Though Markram fell just before the finish line, Dewald Brevis sealed the win with a six, giving South Africa their third consecutive victory over England and a commanding 1-0 series lead.
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