• South Africa defeated England in the rain-affected first T20I.

  • Donovan Ferreira bagged the Player of the Match for his explosive batting.

Fans react as South Africa edge England by 14 runs in a rain-hit first T20I at Cardiff
South Africa beat England in the first T20I (Image Source: X)

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The first T20I of the South Africa tour of England 2025 at Sophia Gardens turned into a dramatic rain-curtailed encounter, where the visitors claimed a 14-run win via the DLS method. With constant interruptions shrinking the contest into a shootout, both sides showcased flashes of brilliance, but it was South Africa’s power-hitters and disciplined bowlers who held their nerve to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Rain delays and reduced overs set up a high-octane contest

Persistent showers delayed the start by nearly two hours, reducing the game to nine overs per side. England, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first. However, another downpour midway through the game further trimmed England’s chase, leaving them with the steep task of scoring 69 runs in just five overs.

Aiden Markram, Donovan Ferreira provide early fireworks

England made a sharp start as Luke Wood dismissed Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck and later removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius cheaply. South Africa skipper Aiden Markram counterpunched with a sparkling 28 from 14 balls, striking two fours and two sixes to keep the innings alive. His dismissal to Adil Rashid threatened to slow the scoring, but Dewald Brevis (23 off 10) reignited momentum with three towering sixes, including two off Liam Dawson.

Donovan Ferreira then took center stage, hammering 25 from just 11 balls with three sixes of his own. Tristan Stubbs also chipped in with 13 off six before Jamie Overton uprooted his stumps. South Africa surged to 97/5 in 7.5 overs when rain forced another stoppage, leaving the Proteas in control.

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England falter in steep DLS chase

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 69 in five overs, England’s hopes were dented immediately as Kagiso Rabada dismissed Phil Salt first ball. Jos Buttler led the fightback with an aggressive 25 off 11 balls, featuring one four and three sixes, but lacked support from the other end. Jacob Bethell struck a six but fell the very next delivery, while Harry Brook departed for a four-ball duck.

Tom Banton and Will Jacks failed to accelerate, and although Sam Curran smashed a late six, the chase had slipped away. Marco Jansen (2/18) and Corbin Bosch (2/20) bowled smartly under pressure, ensuring England could only muster 54/5 at the end of their five overs.

Ferreira’s fearless knock proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award. His late hitting turned a modest start into a formidable total that England could not chase down. With this win, South Africa take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and carry momentum heading into the second T20I.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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