The match at Sophia Gardens in Wales was delayed by rain and eventually reduced to just nine overs a side. England won the toss and asked South Africa to bat first.

Further rain interruptions meant the match was cut even shorter, with only 12.5 overs played in total. South Africa managed 97/5 in their 7.5 overs, with captain Aiden Markram top-scoring with 28 off 14 balls. 

Donovan Ferreira contributed 25 off 11, while Dewald Brevis chipped in with 23 off 19 deliveries. Luke Wood was the pick of the English bowlers, finishing with 2/22 from his two overs.

Sophia Gardens. Photo: Cricinfo

In response, England needed 69 from their allotted five overs to win. Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler scored 25 off 11, and Sam Curran managed ten off three balls, but the Three Lions were restricted to 54/5 from their 30 balls. Marco Jansen led the Proteas’ bowling attack with 2/18 from two overs, while Corbin Bosch took 2/20 and Kagiso Rabada returned 1/11.

Ferreira, named man of the match for his power-hitting and his catch of Jacob Bethell, emphasised the importance of playing smart cricket in shortened games, where anything can happen.

“I think, obviously, as a team, you've got to do whatever the captain decides, and sometimes the toss doesn’t go your way. You just have to focus on your skills and what you need to do,” Ferreira said.

“First, it was our batting innings, so we aimed to get a respectable score. We didn’t really know how the wicket would play, so it was about backing ourselves. Anything can happen in a reduced-overs game. 

“It’s about giving yourself a bit of time and not playing reckless cricket. Fortunately, we put a good score on the board, and our bowlers did their job, which is why we came out on top.”

He said the rain delays didn’t affect the team too much, as they had their plans in place and trusted the captain’s decisions.

“It was wet, but I didn’t focus too much on that – it’s out of our control.” 

Dewald Brevis. Photo: Cricinfo

“We just had to crack on. It’s between the captain and the umpires, and they were relaying clear messages to us. Aiden kept us in the loop the whole time, which allowed us to focus on the game. Once a final decision was made, we could properly prepare. It ended up being a nine-over game, so we focused on maximising those overs and taking it ball by ball.

“In a shortened game, if one or two players fire, you can get a respectable score. And if your bowlers do well, you come out on top.”

The second match of the series will be played on Friday in Manchester, with play at Old Trafford scheduled to start at 19:30.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg