South Africa crush England in first ODI as hosts collapse for 131

South Africa delivered a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in the first one-day international at Headingley, bowling out the hosts for a paltry 131 in 24.3 overs before chasing the target in just 20.5 overs. The dominant performance, led by Aiden Markram’s blistering 86 off 54 balls and Keshav Maharaj’s 4-22, exposed England’s batting frailties and handed them a humbling defeat in the series opener.

England, led by captain Harry Brook, endured a catastrophic batting collapse, losing eight wickets for 49 runs after a promising start. Jamie Smith top-scored with 54, but no other batter reached 20, with Jos Buttler (15), Will Jacks (7), and Jacob Bethell (1) falling cheaply. Maharaj’s left-arm spin proved devastating, claiming Bethell and Jacks early before dismissing Adil Rashid (9) and debutant Sonny Baker (0) in consecutive deliveries to end the innings. Wiaan Mulder supported with 3-33, removing Buttler and Jofra Archer (0) in quick succession. The collapse, described by Sky Sports as “an almighty batting collapse,” left England with a defendable total that proved woefully inadequate against South Africa’s aggressive batting.

South Africa’s chase was powered by Markram, who smashed 13 boundaries and two sixes, reaching a 23-ball half-century. Despite a missed opportunity by Jofra Archer, who failed to review an lbw shout against Ryan Rickelton (31no off 59), South Africa cruised to victory. England’s debutant Baker endured a torrid introduction to international cricket, conceding 76 runs in seven overs, including 56 in his first four, as Markram and Rickelton punished loose deliveries. Adil Rashid provided a late spark, taking 3-26, including a spectacular diving catch by Jamie Smith to dismiss Markram and two wickets in two balls to remove Temba Bavuma (6) and Tristan Stubbs (0). However, South Africa needed just one run to seal the win, finishing at 132-3.

The match highlighted South Africa’s disciplined bowling and explosive batting, with Natalie Germanos praising captain Temba Bavuma’s leadership and Maharaj’s composure. England’s struggles, compounded by missed reviews and a free-hit denial for Brydon Carse, underscored a lackluster performance under Brook’s captaincy. The second ODI is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at Lord’s, with coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sky Sports, first ball at 1:00 p.m. England will need a significant turnaround to level the series against a confident South African side.