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Temba Bavuma-led South Africa registered a dominating win against England in the first ODI of the three-match series after chasing down a target of 132 with ease after bowling the hosts out for 131 in 24.3 overs. The match was completed in just 72 balls, with South Africa reaching the target in 20.5 overs in Leeds.
After being asked to bat, England were off to a good start with some early boundaries from Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett, but the momentum shifted when Duckett edged a delivery from Nandre Burger. Joe Root also edged behind soon after. Smith and Harry Brook built a 38-run partnership, taking England to 82 for 3. Smith went on to score his second consecutive ODI half-century, reaching 50 off 46 balls.
The momentum of the match was shifted when Brook was run out attempting a second run. Soon after that, England lost seven wickets for 29 runs. Smith was caught at fine leg, and the rest of the middle and lower order fell quickly. Keshav Maharaj took 4 wickets, while Wiaan Mulder claimed 3 for 33. South Africa held onto all seven catching opportunities and bowled England out before the 25th over.
South Africa started their chase aggressively. Debutant Sonny Baker was hit for 14 runs in his first over, and Aiden Markram scored quickly, bringing up his fifty in 23 balls, which was the fastest by a South African opener in ODIs. Ryan Rickelton, who had a close call in Archer’s first over, supported Markram in an opening stand of 121 runs.
Markram smashed 70 off 38 balls before being caught by Smith. Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs fell in quick succession, but Dewald Brevis finished the chase with a six.
Baker bowled seven overs and conceded 76 runs without taking a wicket — the most expensive debut bowling figures by an England player in ODIs. Earlier in the match, Tony de Zorzi injured his hamstring while fielding and did not return to the field. South Africa are leading 1-0 in the three-match ODI series. The second ODI will take place on September 4 at iconic Lord's Stadium in London.
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