Cricket
Proteas thump England for 1-0 ODI series lead─── MORGAN PIEK 07:48 Wed, 03 Sep 2025
The Proteas have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International series after thumping England by seven wickets at Headingley in Leeds.
England batted first in Yorkshire, and after being in a fairly good position at 102/4 in the 18th over, were bundled out for just 131 in 24.3 overs. Up front, Jamie Smith top-scored with 54 off 48 balls, while the next best contribution came from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler with 15 off 24.
The world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, Keshav Maharaj, once again starred with the ball for South Africa, taking 4/22 in 5.3 overs. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder also chipped in with 3/33 in his seven overs.
Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Cricinfo
In reply, the Proteas looked on course for a 10-wicket demolition of the hosts before Aiden Markram was dismissed for a blistering 86 off 55 balls, with the score on 121 in the 19th over. Ryan Rickelton played a far more patient knock, finishing unbeaten on 31 off 59 deliveries.
At the back end of the Proteas’ innings, seasoned spinner Adil Rashid picked up all three South African wickets, returning figures of 3/26 in 3.5 overs. By then, however, the damage was done. South Africa cruised to the winning runs in 20.5 overs for a commanding victory.
Maharaj, who was named Player of the Match for turning the game on its head, said the recent series win against Australia Down Under gave the team the momentum they needed.
“I don’t think you see many games go this way,” Maharaj reflected.
“But it was a nice bit of momentum carried through from Australia, and seeing the guys stick to the processes we always talk about was really encouraging. To reap the rewards was even more special.”
Wiaan Mulder celebrating the wicket of Jamie Smith. Photo: Cricinfo
Looking ahead, Maharaj said the Proteas would be pushing hard to wrap up the series in London on Thursday, but stressed the need to hit the reset button and prepare for a completely different challenge at the Home of Cricket.
“Every game is a new start,” he added. “For us, as well as England, it’s about going back to the drawing board and identifying areas to improve. Thursday at Lord’s will be a proper game of cricket.”
The second ODI between England and South Africa at Lord’s is scheduled to start at 14:00 on Thursday.
