1st ODI England vs South Africa, Down & Out South Africa looked promising with 27 runs win against strong England lineup.
South African team has not been able to make a mark in the international cricket arena for the last few years. After a dismal performance in T20I World Cup and a poor show against India in their tour to India, they are looking for a comeback home season against a strong England team. They have passed the hurdle by comfortably winning the match to lead the series 1-0. South Africa won the toss, and they decided to bat first to put a target for England to chase. A good opening start was provided by de Kock and Captain Bavuma with 61 runs partnership. They were looking in trouble at 116/3 in the 22nd over when van der Dussen came up with a great effort to help them set a reasonable score on the board. With a fifty from Millar and a classy knock of 111 (117) by van der Dussen, 1st ODI England vs South Africa, South Africa managed to score 298/7 in the 50 overs.
Defending this mediocre score against strong England batsmen, SA was in early trouble with an onslaught launched by Jason Roy. Inside 20 overs, the England team managed to score 146 runs with their opening stand, giving them a real chance to close the match in their favor. Things were looking difficult for South Africa to get back into this match, and England was looking to get an easy walkover. However, the South African captain kept believing in his bowlers, and they managed to get 3 wickets in quick succession. England team went on the back foot for the first time in this case, however, Jason Roy kept his dominating knock. His wicket was crucial for South Africa, and they managed to get him out in the 30th over at 196 runs.
England just needed 103 runs in the remaining 20 overs, and it was needed to play normal cricket to get over the line. But South Africa bowlers bounced back by taking wickets regularly, and no other batsman could stay on the pitch to get their team home. With this astonishing effort, South Africa was able to stop the England team at 271 all out in the 45th over. Anrich Nortje was the star of the show with his figures of 62/4 in 10 overs. Now, South Africa has sent a strong message to the strong England team that they are here to play, and will give everything to stay competitive in this One Day International series.