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South Africa delivered a commanding performance in the first ODI against England at Headingley, Leeds on September 2, 2025, securing a dominant seven-wicket victory with 175 balls to spare. Keshav Maharaj‘s outstanding bowling figures of 4/22 spearheaded the demolition of England’s batting lineup, making history as the first South Africa spinner to take four wickets against England in an ODI played on English soil. The left-arm spinner’s stellar performance adds another chapter to South Africa’s rich tradition of spin bowling excellence against England in ODIs.
Keshav Maharaj’s historic performance against England sets new records
The match witnessed England being bowled out for a paltry 131 runs in just 24.3 overs, their lowest first-innings total against South Africa in ODI cricket. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, South African captain Temba Bavuma‘s decision proved to be a masterstroke as his bowling attack, led by Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder (3/33), systematically dismantled England’s batting order.
Maharaj’s figures of 4/22 in 5.3 overs represent not only the best bowling performance by a South African spinner against England in ODIs but also mark a significant milestone in cricket history. The world’s number one ODI bowler claimed crucial wickets including Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and debutant Sonny Baker, finishing the innings with consecutive deliveries that sealed England’s fate.
England’s collapse was spectacular in its completeness. From a relatively secure position of 102/3, they lost their last seven wickets for merely 29 runs, with only opener Jamie Smith (54 off 48 balls) offering any meaningful resistance. The hosts’ innings lasted less than half their allotted overs, marking their fifth-shortest all-out innings in ODI history.
In response to England’s modest total, South Africa’s chase was led by Aiden Markram‘s explosive 86 off 55 balls, which included a record-breaking 23-ball fifty – the fastest by a South African opener against England. The opening partnership of 121 runs between Markram and Ryan Rickelton effectively sealed the match within the first 18 overs.
Top 5 South African spin bowling performances against England
Maharaj’s heroics at Headingley join an illustrious list of South African spin bowling achievements against England in ODI cricket. These performances showcase the consistent quality and effectiveness of South African spinners across different eras and conditions.
1) 4/22 – Keshav Maharaj at Headingley, 2025
The most recent and arguably most significant performance came in Leeds, where Maharaj became the first South African spinner to claim four wickets against England in an ODI on English soil. His varying pace and flight completely bamboozled the England batters, with the left-arm spinner delivering a masterclass in spin bowling that helped restrict England to their lowest total against South Africa when batting first.
2) 4/38 – Imran Tahir at Chennai, 2011
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, leg-spinner Imran Tahir produced a devastating spell at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Bowling 8.4 overs in England’s first innings total of 171, Tahir claimed the crucial wickets of Jonathan Trott, Michael Yardy, Stuart Broad, and Graeme Swann. His googly proved particularly effective, with several batters failing to pick the variation as England struggled against his bowling.
3) 3/22 – Robin Peterson at Chennai, 2011
Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson delivered a match-changing performance in the same World Cup encounter. Peterson stunned England by claiming both openers in the first over itself, dismissing Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen before adding Ian Bell to complete his three-wicket haul. His figures of 3/22 represented his best ODI bowling display at the time, surpassing his previous best of 3/42 against Pakistan.
4) 3/25 – Keshav Maharaj at Lord’s, 2017
In another memorable performance at the home of cricket, Maharaj claimed three crucial wickets during England’s collapse to 153 all out. His victims included Jonny Bairstow, who was stumped after charging down the pitch, Jake Ball, and Steven Finn in the final over of England’s innings. The performance came during a match where England lost their first six wickets for just 20 runs.
5) 3/26 – Paul Adams at East London, 1996
The unorthodox left-arm spinner Paul Adams produced a career-defining performance at Buffalo Park, East London. In only his second ODI, Adams claimed the key wickets of Graeme Hick, Graham Thorpe, and Dominic Cork, helping South Africa defend a modest total of 129. His spell proved crucial as South Africa won by 14 runs, with Adams earning the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling figures.
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