Maharaj spins out England for crushing win: 1st ODI (Leeds)

Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the star as South Africa crushed England in the first ODI at Headingley, Leeds, winning by nine wickets after a lopsided contest.

Batting first, England collapsed to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs, with only Jamie Smith offering resistance through a fluent 54, while the rest of the batting order folded under relentless pressure. South Africa’s bowlers, led by their seam attack, exploited the conditions superbly to trigger a dramatic slide of seven wickets for just 29 runs.

In reply, South Africa made light work of the chase, cruising to 132 for 1 in 17 overs, with Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram steering them home comfortably. On debut, England’s Sonny Baker endured a harsh introduction, conceding 76 runs from his seven overs.

The result gave South Africa a 1–0 lead in the series and left England reeling from a heavy defeat at the start of their campaign.

South Africa 137 for 3 (Markram 86) beat England 131 (Smith 54, Maharaj 4-22, Mulder 3-33) by seven wickets.

Aug 2025