ENG vs SA 1st ODI Result: South Africa kicked off their ODI series against England in emphatic fashion, clinching a dominant 7-wicket win in the first match played at Headingley on September 2. A clinical all-round performance from the visitors saw them outplay a below-par England side, who crumbled for just 131 runs in under 25 overs.
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
A dominant all-round performance from the Proteas! 💥
Brilliant with the ball and unstoppable with the bat. A sensational 7-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 🇿🇦🏏🔥#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/ne99FgQkJ2---Advertisement---— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 2, 2025
England’s Batting Collapse – Smith Stands Alone
Put in to bat, England faltered early and never really recovered. Jamie Smith was the only bright spot in an otherwise forgettable batting display. The young right-hander scored a fluent 54 off 48 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, and tried to anchor the innings amid a flurry of wickets at the other end.
But there was little support. Ben Duckett (5), Joe Root (4), and captain Harry Brook (12) all failed to find rhythm, while Jos Buttler, known for his explosive finishes, managed only 15 off 24. The home side was bundled out for a paltry 131 runs in 24.3 overs.
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Maharaj and Mulder Wreak Havoc
South Africa’s bowlers showed intent from ball one. Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers, spinning a web around England’s batting with figures of 4/22 in 5.3 overs. Wiaan Mulder provided a perfect pace-spin balance, returning 3/33 in 7 overs. Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger chipped in with a wicket apiece to complete the rout.
Markram’s Masterclass Seals the Chase
Chasing a modest target of 132, South Africa wasted no time. Aiden Markram was in sublime touch, punishing England’s bowlers with a commanding 86 off just 55 balls, smashing 13 fours and 2 sixes in the process. He was well-supported by Ryan Rickelton, who played a steady hand with 31 not out off 59 deliveries.
Skipper Temba Bavuma fell early for 6, but that was the only real hiccup in what turned out to be a cakewalk for the Proteas. The visitors chased down the target in just 20.5 overs, finishing on 137/3.
With this win, South Africa have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. England will look to bounce back in the second ODI and address the glaring issues in their top order and middle order. Meanwhile, the Proteas will aim to carry forward the momentum and seal the series in the next encounter.
