ENG vs SA 2025, 1st ODI Review: Maharaj, Mulder crush Englishmen as Proteas go 1-up

South Africa delivered a clinical performance in the opening game of the three-match ODI series against England on Tuesday, September 2, at Headingley, Leeds, securing a dominant seven-wicket victory. Skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved spot-on as his bowlers dismantled England’s batting line-up.

The Harry Brook-led side began their innings with openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett, but their partnership was short-lived. Nandre Burger struck early in the third over to send Duckett packing. The Proteas bowlers maintained pressure throughout, consistently breaking partnerships and never allowing the English batters to settle. Despite valiant efforts, the hosts batting crumbled under the disciplined attack. Opener Smith stood out as the lone warrior, scoring a resilient 54, while no other batter managed to cross the 20-run mark.

Wiaan Mulder was instrumental with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs in his seven overs. Currently, the no. 1-ranked ODI bowler, Keshav Maharaj was even more lethal, picking up a four-wicket haul for just 22 runs in a mere 33 deliveries. The Three Lions failed to roar, getting bundled out for a modest 131 total, leaving South Africa with a straightforward chase.

Markram marauds his blade to make a mockery of chase

The Proteas openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, made light work of the target. Their opening stand of 121 runs virtually sealed the game. Markram was in sublime form, smashing 86 off just 55 balls. Rickelton played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 31. The finishing touch came from young sensation Dewald Brevis, who launched a six off Adil Rashid to wrap up the match in style and give South Africa a 1-0 lead.

England’s bowling troubles were compounded by debutant Sonny Baker, who conceded a record 76 runs, the most by an English bowler on ODI debut. Rashid was the only bright spot, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in 3.5 overs. South Africa’s emphatic win came with 175 balls to spare, making it the second-shortest completed ODI between the two sides, totalling just 272 balls across both innings.

The upcoming encounter promises to be a crucial fixture for the Englishmen, as they will look to bounce back and keep the series alive with a victory. For Proteas, a win would win them yet another ODI series, after recently thwarting Australia 2-1. Notably, the second ODI will be held at the iconic Lord’s in London on Thursday, September 4.