Ruthless South Africa hammers England in the 1st ODI as Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj shine bright

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Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder dismantle England’s batting order
South Africa’s clinical chase led by Aiden Markram’s brilliance

England suffered a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat against South Africa in the first ODI at Headingley, Leeds on September 2, 2025, with the Proteas securing victory with an astonishing 175 balls to spare. Aiden Markram‘s explosive 86 off 55 balls and Keshav Maharaj‘s outstanding bowling figures of 4/22 spearheaded South Africa’s dominant performance, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder dismantle England’s batting order

South Africa’s bowling attack, led by the lethal combination of Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder, completely dismantled England’s batting lineup after captain Temba Bavuma‘s decision to bowl first proved masterstroke. The visitors bowled out England for a paltry 131 runs in just 24.3 overs, with the hosts suffering a catastrophic collapse of eight wickets for just 29 runs after being relatively well-placed at 102/3.

Maharaj, who recently ascended to the number one position in ICC’s ODI bowling rankings, delivered a masterclass in spin bowling. The left-arm spinner’s figures of 4/22 in 5.3 overs made him the first South African spinner to take four wickets against England in an ODI match played in England. His varied pace and flight frustrated the England batters into making crucial errors, as he claimed the crucial wickets of Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Sonny Baker.

Mulder provided excellent support with his intelligent bowling, constantly changing his length to limit England’s scoring opportunities. The all-rounder finished with impressive figures of 3/33 in seven overs, marking only the second time he has taken three wickets in an ODI. His victims included England’s top-scorer Jamie Smith, who was brilliantly caught by Corbin Bosch at long leg, followed by Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in consecutive deliveries.

The South African seamers also played their part effectively, with Nandre Burger claiming Ben Duckett‘s wicket early through an away-swinger, while Lungi Ngidi removed Joe Root via a spectacular diving catch by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. England’s innings lasted less than half their allotted overs, representing their fourth-lowest total against South Africa in ODIs.

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South Africa’s clinical chase led by Aiden Markram’s brilliance

South Africa’s response was nothing short of spectacular, with Aiden Markram producing one of the most destructive innings in recent ODI history. The opener immediately set the tone by smashing three boundaries off the very first over bowled by debutant Baker, followed by two sixes and a four in Baker’s second over. Markram’s assault on the inexperienced English bowler was relentless, with Baker conceding 56 runs in his first four overs and eventually finishing with the most expensive figures for an England debutant in ODIs at 0/76 from seven overs.

Markram reached his fifty off just 23 balls, breaking Chris Morris‘ nine-year-old record for the fastest fifty by a South African opener against England. His innings featured 13 boundaries and two maximums, showcasing his complete dominance over the English bowling attack. The right-handed batter formed a commanding 121-run opening partnership with Rickelton, effectively sealing the match within the first 18 overs of South Africa’s chase.

Despite being dismissed for 86 runs by Rashid’s leg-spin while attempting to reach his century, Markram had already done more than enough to secure victory for his team. South Africa crossed the finish line in just 20.5 overs when Dewald Brevis struck a six off Rashid to complete the formalities, even after the leg-spinner had claimed two wickets off consecutive balls with the scores level.