By Razeen Gutta
- Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj destroyed England’s batting with figures of 3-33 and 4-22 respectively at Headingley.
- Aiden Markram smashed 86 runs off 55 balls including 13 fours and two sixes to guide South Africa home.
South Africa smashed England by seven wickets at Headingley on Tuesday in the first one-day international.
The Proteas bowlers destroyed England’s batting line-up, bowling them out for just 131 runs. Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj led the attack with devastating bowling figures.
Mulder claimed three wickets for 33 runs while Maharaj grabbed four wickets for just 22 runs. The pair ripped through England’s batting order like a knife through butter.
England’s collapse was spectacular. The hosts lost their last seven wickets for only 29 runs, showing just how badly they crumbled under pressure.
Debutant Sonny Baker had a nightmare day with the ball. He conceded 76 runs in seven overs without taking a single wicket.
But it was Aiden Markram who stole the show with the bat. The South African captain smashed 86 runs off just 55 balls in an explosive innings.
Markram hit 13 fours and two sixes as he guided South Africa to an easy victory. Ryan Rickelton provided steady support with 31 runs off 59 balls.
The Proteas reached their target with plenty of overs to spare, making England’s total look embarrassingly small.
The victory puts South Africa 1-0 up in the three-match series. The second match takes place at Lord’s on Thursday where England will desperately try to level the series.
South Africa will be confident of sealing the series even before the final match at Southampton’s Rose Bowl on Sunday.
Pictured above: Proteas
Image source: @proteasmencsa
