Proteas’ 'pommie bashing' could make it a long series for England
South Africa's Keshav Maharaj reacts while bowling during the first One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and South Africa at Headingley, in Leeds, on September 2, 2025. (Photo by Oli Scarff/AFP
Image: Oli Scarff/AFP
The fact that South Africa bowled England out for the second-lowest total ever in a One-Day International between the nations, shows just how ruthless the Proteas were in Leeds on Tuesday.
A masterful bowling display led by Keshav Maharaj (4/22) saw the hosts bundled out for 131 after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl.
It was also the lowest total the hosts have posted against South Africa in England. The only time South Africa bowled England out for a lower score was back in 1996 in East London. Interestingly, on that day in the Eastern Cape when England were all out for 115, a young spinner by the name of Paul Adams was the chief destroyer for South Africa with 3/26.
It shows then, this performance by South Africa away from home was truly historic.
Favourable Conditions and Key Performances: Maharaj, Mulder and Ngidi Shine
The conditions were also quite favourable, but taking advantage of that was still vital. Maharaj was well supported by Wiaan Mulder who claimed figures of 3/33 as the all-rounder got the ball to swing nicely just for good measure.
Although Lungi Ngidi did not take a bunch of wickets, opening the bowling the big fast bowler set the tone with a miserly return of 1/20 in five overs while his partner up front Nandre Burger (1/28) went at seven an over as English opener Jamie Smith started well with his knock of 54 from 48.
Once Smith was gone in the 18th over with England still on a handy 102/4, the collapse was in full swing.
Despite the small target the Proteas had to chase, Aiden Markram looked like a man possessed as he bludgeoned 86 from 55 before he departed, and by that time South Africa needed less than 20 runs.
It was as dominant a performance by the Proteas as a South African could wish to see.
Good luck to England for the rest of the tour though, they probably need it.
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