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

England suffered a complete seven-wicket defeat in opposition to South Africa within 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 excellent bowling figures of 4/22 spearheaded South Africa’s dominant efficiency, taking a 1-0 lead within the three-match sequence.

Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder dismantle England’s batting order

South Africa’s bowling assault, led by the deadly mixture of Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder, fully dismantled England’s batting lineup after captain Temba Bavuma‘s determination to bowl first proved masterstroke. The guests bowled out England for a paltry 131 runs in simply 24.3 overs, with the hosts struggling a catastrophic collapse of eight wickets for simply 29 runs after being comparatively well-placed at 102/3.

Maharaj, who just lately ascended to the primary place 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 primary South African spinner to take 4 wickets in opposition to England in an ODI match performed in England. His different tempo and flight pissed off the England batters into making essential errors, as he claimed the essential wickets of Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Sonny Baker.

Mulder supplied wonderful help together with his clever bowling, always altering his size to restrict England’s scoring alternatives. The all-rounder completed with spectacular figures of three/33 in seven overs, marking solely 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 lengthy leg, adopted by Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in consecutive deliveries.

The South African seamers additionally performed their half successfully, with Nandre Burger claiming Ben Duckett‘s wicket early via an away-swinger, whereas Lungi Ngidi eliminated Joe Root through a spectacular diving catch by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. England’s innings lasted lower than half their allotted overs, representing their fourth-lowest whole in opposition to South Africa in ODIs.

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

South Africa’s response was nothing in need of spectacular, with Aiden Markram producing probably the most damaging innings in latest ODI historical past. The opener instantly set the tone by smashing three boundaries off the very first over bowled by debutant Baker, adopted by two sixes and a 4 in Baker’s second over. Markram’s assault on the inexperienced English bowler was relentless, with Baker conceding 56 runs in his first 4 overs and finally ending with the most costly figures for an England debutant in ODIs at 0/76 from seven overs.

Markram reached his fifty off simply 23 balls, breaking Chris Morris‘ nine-year-old file for the quickest fifty by a South African opener in opposition to England. His innings featured 13 boundaries and two maximums, showcasing his full dominance over the English bowling assault. The proper-handed batter shaped a commanding 121-run opening partnership with Rickelton, successfully sealing the match inside the first 18 overs of South Africa’s chase.

Regardless of being dismissed for 86 runs by Rashid’s leg-spin whereas making an attempt to succeed in his century, Markram had already completed greater than sufficient to safe victory for his crew. South Africa crossed the end line in simply 20.5 overs when Dewald Brevis struck a six off Rashid to finish the formalities, even after the leg-spinner had claimed two wickets off consecutive balls with the scores degree.