ENG vs SA (1st ODI) – Highlights
In a gripping opener to the South Africa tour of England, the first ODI at Leeds on September 2, 2025, saw SA chase down a modest ENG total with remarkable efficiency, winning by seven wickets with 175 balls to spare. England posted 131 in 24.3 overs, a total that always looked below par, and South Africa comfortably reached 137 for 3 in just 20.5 overs, powered by a spectacular innings from Aiden Markram and a devastating bowling performance by Keshav Maharaj.
From the beginning of the innings, Jamie Smith was the leading light for England in the top order with 54 runs from 48 deliveries and ten boundaries; this was a polished innings. Unfortunately, not much support was given, as after Ben Duckett only scored 5 runs, Joe Root scored 14 runs, and Captain Harry Brooks was run out for only 12 runs. Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks had cameos, but unfortunately, all too late to salvage any momentum for the innings.
The run chase never climbed above 130, and there was a middle and lower order collapse as the pressure took a toll, with Keshav Maharaj knowing to bowl in these sorts of conditions. Maharaj finished with 4 for 22 in 5.3 overs, taking key middle and lower-order batters, while Wiaan Mulder took 3 for 33 overall and kept the runs to a small number. England’s batsmen failed to build a foundation, falling short at a target that should have been manageable.
SA reply was swift and commanding. Markram’s composed 86 off 55 balls, featuring 13 fours and 2 sixes, anchored the innings brilliantly. He anchored the innings perfectly, taking advantage of England’s erratic bowling and building partnerships that ensured there was no serious threat to the chase. Ryan Rickelton played the sheet anchor role with an unbeaten 31, while Dewald Brevis contributed with a quickfire 6 not out, guiding South Africa to victory in dominant fashion. Captain Temba Bavuma added 6 before being dismissed, but by then the match was firmly in South Africa’s hands.
ENG bowling attack struggled to contain the opposition. Sonny Baker was expensive, conceding 76 runs in 7 overs, while Adil Rashid managed some damage with 3 wickets for 26 runs, including the scalps of Markram, Bavuma, and Stubbs, but it was never enough to derail the chase. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse bowled economically but lacked penetration against a confident South African batting lineup. The game highlighted England’s vulnerability against disciplined spin and intelligent stroke play under pressure.
The match was ultimately defined by Maharaj’s devastating spell with the ball and Markram’s masterclass with the bat. South Africa’s clinical approach, coupled with England’s inability to build partnerships or capitalize on starts, ensured a comfortable victory for the visitors. This result sets the tone for a highly competitive ODI series with England needing to reassess their middle order stability and bowling strategies for the upcoming matches.
England vs South Africa Scoreboard
England – 131/10 (24.3)
South Africa – 137/3 (20.5)
Result – South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 175 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj
ENG vs SA Playing XIs
England | Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root |
South Africa | Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Codi Yusuf, Ryan Rickelton (wk) |
