Rain played spoilsport at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, in the three-T20I series opener on September 10. First, it was a 9 overs per side game, then the hosts needed 69 runs to win in five overs, which they failed to do after suffering a collapse. After a record-breaking humiliating defeat in final ODI, South Africa made up for it with a 14-run win in the first T20I.
Markram, Brevis and Ferreira’s hits light up Cardiff
In wet conditions, Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bowl first. Luke Wood got Ryan Rickelton caught behind for a golden duck. Skipper Aiden Markram hit the first four and six of the innings. In the third over, Markram's catch was dropped by Phil Salt at deep mid-wicket. In the same over, Wood got the wicket of young Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Adil Rashid was introduced into the attack. He conceded just four runs and dismissed Markram for a 14-ball 28.
After becoming the most expensive player in SA20 Auction, Dewald Brevis continued his form in T20Is. He hit Liam Dawson for two consecutive sixes. He hit a six off Rashid and took a single. Then, Donovan Ferreira hit Rashid for two sixes. In the seventh over, Sam Curran was introduced into the attack. He ended Brevis' cameo. He contributed with a 10-ball 23. Tristan Stubbs scored 13 runs from six balls. He was knocked over by Jamie Overton. Ferreira hit a six off the fifth ball of the eighth over before rain interrupted play.
Buttler lacks support in run chase
England were given a target of 69 runs from five overs as per DLS method. Their run chase got off to a poor start with Kagiso Rabada removing Salt for a golden duck. He was caught at long leg by Kwena Maphaka. But, Buttler did not let it affect the scoring rate, hitting Rabada for a four and a six. Fresh off his maide ODI century, Jacob Bethell hit a six off Marco Jansen and then got caught by Ferreira. The required run rate went up and Buttler hit Corbin Bosch for a six. Skipper Brook could not make a mark in the run chase and departed for a four-ball duck.
In the last two overs, England needed 38 runs. Buttler hit Jansen for a six but Tom Banton could not find a boundary. On the last ball of the fourth over, Buttler got out caught behind for an 11-ball 25. England needed 26 runs in the final over. Bosch got the wicket of Banton on the first ball. Sam Curran hit a six first ball but only five runs came off the remaining four deliveries. England managed to post 54/5 and lost the match by 14 runs (DLS method).
Ferreira was named ‘Player of the match’ for his unbeaten 11-ball 25.
“Wasn't thinking too much of the boundary sizes, was about keeping good positions and hitting straight. This is a good series to express myself and showcase what I can do. The management have given me the confidence to play freely,” he said in the post-match presentation.
The second T20I will be played on September 12 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.