Aiden Markram’s fastest fifty powers South Africa to dominant win against England in Leeds ODI

South Africa dominate England in 1st ODI

Temba Bavuma’s South Africa won the first match of the three-match ODI series against England by seven wickets in Leeds. The visitors bowled out the hosts for only 131 runs in 24.3 overs and then chased down the target in 20.5 overs. The game barely lasted 72 balls of South Africa’s batting, highlighting their dominance.

England, who batted first, got off to a good start with Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett hitting early boundaries. But the tide swiftly turned as Duckett edged Nandre Burger behind. Joe Root soon did the same thing. Then, Smith and Harry Brook stabilised the innings with a 38-run stand, taking England’s score to 82/3. Smith got his second fifty in a row in an ODI off 46 balls, but Brook’s run-out caused a collapse.

After that, England lost seven wickets and only scored 29 runs. Smith fell at fine leg, and the lower order didn’t put up much of a fight. Keshav Maharaj took 4 wickets and Wiaan Mulder added 3 for 33. South Africa’s superb fielding was also very important because they caught all seven opportunities.

South Africa came out firing after a small goal. Sonny Baker, who was making his debut, conceded 14 runs in his first over. Aiden Markram, who was in great form, hit the fastest fifty by a South African opener in ODIs in just 23 balls. He and Ryan Rickelton put together a blazing 121-run opening stand.

Markram was caught by Smith for a stunning 70 runs off of 38 balls. Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs both went out cheaply, but Dewald Brevis ended the chase with a six. Rickelton stayed firm at the opposite end to help South Africa win.

Baker had a debut to forget for England, giving up 76 runs in seven overs. This was the most runs conceded by an England player on ODI debut. Tony de Zorzi hurt his hamstring during fielding, which made things worse for them. He didn’t come back.

South Africa leads the series 1-0 with their clear triumph. On September 4, the second ODI will be held at Lord’s in London, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Groud. England will try to come back.