England’s new era of white-ball cricket under captain Harry Brook suffered a brutal setback at Headingley as South Africa handed them a crushing seven-wicket defeat in the first one-day international. England were bundled out for just 131 runs in a dismal batting display, before South Africa comfortably chased down the target with nearly 30 overs to spare.
England, playing their first white-ball match since sweeping aside the West Indies earlier this summer, collapsed dramatically after a promising start at 82-2. Captain Harry Brook was run out for 12 in a moment that sparked a total batting meltdown. Opener Jamie Smith, who top-scored with a gritty 54 from 48 balls, was the only player to pass 15 runs as England lost their last seven wickets for just 29 runs in 7.1 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers ruthlessly exploited England’s lack of rhythm, with spinner Keshav Maharaj claiming 4-22 on a pitch offering little turn, while Wiaan Mulder added 3-33. England’s middle order, including Jos Buttler (15) and Will Jacks, folded under pressure, leaving the side all out inside 25 overs in what was one of their worst ODI collapses in recent years.
The misery continued with the ball as debutant fast bowler Sonny Baker endured a nightmare introduction to international cricket. Conceding 76 runs from just seven overs, including 14 boundaries, Baker registered the most expensive figures by an England bowler on ODI debut. Aiden Markram took full advantage, smashing a blistering 86 off 55 balls in a display of effortless hitting that tore apart England’s attack.
England’s fielding woes summed up their day, with missed reviews and sloppy decisions adding to the embarrassment. Brook’s men managed only three wickets, all taken by Adil Rashid, before Dewald Brevis ended the contest with a towering six, sealing South Africa’s emphatic victory in just 45.2 overs of play.
The one-sided defeat is a stark reminder of England’s ongoing struggles in 50-over cricket since their failed World Cup defense in India last year. Despite Brook’s winning start against the West Indies earlier in the summer, this performance mirrored the inconsistencies that have plagued England’s white-ball side over the past two years. Fatigue from The Hundred also played its part, with several players looking underprepared and out of rhythm.
England captain Harry Brook admitted it was a “bad day” for his side, praising Jamie Smith’s effort but acknowledging the lack of partnerships and poor execution. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hailed his team’s clinical display, particularly Maharaj’s bowling and Markram’s destructive batting at the top.
The heavy defeat leaves England with major questions heading into the second ODI at Lord’s on Thursday. Unless they regroup quickly, the series could slip away against a confident South African side that has already shown superior preparation and execution in the 50-over format.
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