Keshav Maharaj produced a superb spell of spin bowling to take 4-22 as South Africa hammered England by seven wickets in the first one-day international at Headingley on Tuesday.
England, asked to bat first, looked well placed at 82-2 in the 14th over before collapsing to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs. Their final eight wickets fell for only 49 runs, with poor shot selection contributing heavily to the downfall.
Only Jamie Smith offered resistance, top-scoring with a fluent 54 from 48 deliveries. In reply, South Africa’s Aiden Markram made light work of the chase, blasting 86 off 55 balls in an opening stand of 121 with Ryan Rickelton (31 not out). The tourists cruised home in 18.5 overs despite a late fightback from Adil Rashid, who took 3-26.
Captain Harry Brook admitted his side had endured a nightmare start to the series.
“It was not a great start, just one of those bad days and we will move on as soon as possible,” he said. “Everyone will hold their hand up. We could not build partnerships. The ball held in the pitch a little, but they bowled really nicely. We need to put it behind us and get down to London.”
England’s problems began when Joe Root, visibly weary after a long summer, edged behind to wicketkeeper Rickelton. Maharaj then ran through the middle order with subtle variations in pace. Debutant seamer Sonny Baker endured a tough introduction, conceding 76 runs in seven overs.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma praised his side’s all-round display.
“It was important to start well,” he said. “We were clinical with the ball – under pressure in the powerplay but still managed to take wickets. With the bat, we could have been more clinical at the end, but nothing should take away from a brilliant chase led by Aiden.”
The second ODI of the three-match series will be played at Lord’s on Thursday, followed by a three-match T20 series beginning on 10 September.