Latest update March 26th, 2026 7:55 AM
England given brutal reality check by South Africa
Aiden Markram blazes a drive over the covers in his flying start. (Getty Images)
BBC Sport – England were bundled out for just 131 and thrashed by seven wickets in the first one-day international at Headingley as South Africa handed out a bruising reality check to the hosts’ new era of white-ball cricket under captain Harry Brook.
In an abject performance, England reached 82-2 only to be dismissed in 24.3 overs in their first white-ball matches since Brook began his tenure by sweeping aside West Indies at the start of the summer.
The collapse started when the captain was run out for 12 and opener Jamie Smith, the only batter to make more than 15, followed for a 48-ball 54.
Jacob Bethell’s tough summer continued, Will Jacks, one of five players who were playing in the Hundred final less than 48 hours ago, chipped back a catch and Jos Buttler struggled for 15 from 24 balls.
The last seven wickets fell for 29 runs in 7.1 overs as spinner Keshav Maharaj took 4-22 on a pitch that did not turn and seamer Wiaan Mulder 3-33.
Fast bowler Sonny Baker was then hit for 76 runs, including 14 boundaries, in a brutal, seven-over introduction to international cricket – the most expensive figures by an England bowler on ODI debut.
Keshav Maharaj struck twice in quick succession. (Getty Images)
In the second over, Jofra Archer nicked off Ryan Rickelton only for the ball to be judged to have bounced before first slip and still would have had the left-hander lbw had England reviewed an lbw shout. Their failure to do so summed up their day.
Aiden Markram flogged 86 in 55 balls with England failing to make a breakthrough until he was spectacularly caught by Smith with the winning line only 11 runs away.
The crowd cheered ironically when Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs followed with the scores level but Rickelton ended 31 not out and the Proteas won with a massive 29.1 overs to spare.
The three-match series continues at Lord’s on Thursday.
Scores: South Africa 137 for 3 (Markram 86) beat England 131 (Smith 54, Maharaj 4-22, Mulder 3-33) by seven wickets.
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