Leeds, September 2 – South Africa stormed to a commanding seven-wicket win over England in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
It was a clinical performance from the visitors, who dominated with both ball and bat to silence the home crowd.
Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to field first, a decision that paid off handsomely. England, coming into the series after a hectic Hundred campaign, struggled for fluency right from the start. Jamie Smith showed some promise at the top, but wickets kept tumbling around him. At 82/3, the hosts looked set to rebuild, yet the innings collapsed spectacularly. Within minutes, England went from hopeful to hapless, bowled out for just 131 runs.
Keshav Maharaj was the chief destroyer, picking up four wickets on a spinner-friendly surface. His variations unsettled England’s middle order, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with three scalps to ensure South Africa never lost control. Maharaj later described the wicket as “ideal for spin” and credited his bowlers for exploiting conditions effectively.
Chasing a modest target, South Africa wasted no time in stamping authority. Aiden Markram led the charge, blasting 86 runs in a fluent knock that set the tone for the innings. Alongside Ryan Rickelton, he stitched a 121-run opening stand that virtually ended England’s hopes. Though Markram fell short of carrying his bat, his intent in the Powerplay was decisive. Rickelton played the anchor role, ensuring stability even as wickets fell late in the chase.
For England, Adil Rashid provided a brief moment of joy with two wickets in successive balls, including Markram’s dismissal, while Jamie Smith’s stunning catch added flair to their fielding effort. Yet these moments could not mask the team’s collective struggles. Debutant Sonny Baker endured a torrid time, conceding 56 runs in four overs, while Jofra Archer, though economical, went wicketless.
South Africa’s chase was wrapped up in style when Dewald Brevis hammered a six to seal victory. With just 132 needed, the Proteas crossed the line comfortably and claimed momentum ahead of the second ODI at Lord’s.
At the presentation, Bavuma praised his side for carrying forward momentum from their recent series win over Australia, saying, “We were clinical with the ball and set the tone early. With the bat, we could have finished better, but overall, it was a solid start.” His opposite number, Harry Brook, admitted England were thoroughly outplayed, insisting the defeat was “just one bad day” and backing his young squad to bounce back.
Player of the Match Maharaj summed it up best: “We’re still in transition as a group, but performances like today show the progress we’re making.”
With this result, South Africa not only go 1-0 up but also continue their fine 2025 form, having already beaten Australia at home and abroad. England, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they are to avoid conceding another series on home soil.