South Africa kept the hope alive of direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup as they defeated England in the first One-day international match played at Mangaung Oval, Blofemntion on 27 January 2023.
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to bat first. Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock provided a flying start putting pressure on England bowlers, especially Jofra Archer. Moeen Ali got the breakthrough getting rid of Bavuma caught by Sam Curran. South African openers put on 61 runs laying a strong foundation for a decent total. At the end of the first 10 overs, South Africa scored 75.
Sam Curran dismissed dangerous de Kock with a short ball. Rassie Van der Dussen looked in decent touch along with Klassen. Both batters kept the scoreboard ticking taking singles and hitting boundaries. Dussen completed a half-century off 63 balls. Adil Rashid dismissed Klassen caught in front of the stumps. Dussen and Klassen added 55 runs for the 4th wicket.
Dussen continued his brilliant form completing his 4th ODI century off 110 balls. Jofra Archer struggled with rhythm as Dussen and Miller took advantage. Sam Curran struck getting rid of Dussen as Duckett took a good catch. Dussen and Miller added 110 runs for the 5th wicket. David Miller completed his fifty off 54 balls. South Africa posted 298 for 7 in 50 overs.
South Africa pacers shine
South African pacers created a major impact on the match. Jason Roy and Dawid Malan provided an aggressive start keeping the momentum going for visitors. At the end of the first 10 overs, England’s openers made 56 for 0.
Roy and Malan kept the pressure on South African bowlers not allowing them to settle. Roy completed a half-century off 45 balls while Malan reached fifty off 49 balls. Magala got the breakthrough dismissing Dawid Malan with a short delivery providing an easy catch to Bavuma ending 146 runs opening partnership.
Anrich Nortje dismissed Ben Duckett with an easy catch to De Kock. Magala got rid of debutant Harry Brooks with a lovely delivery. Jason Roy looked composed completing his century off 79 deliveries. Rabada struck getting rid of centurion Roy with a good sharp catch by Parnell at the boundary. Roy and Buttler added 44 runs for the 4th wicket. Magala, Rabada, and Anrich Nortje created a major impact with superb fast bowling.
Nortje took the wickets of David Willey and Jofra Archer in quick succession to leave England in trouble. Rabada struck dismissing Sam Curran. Shamsi who had terrible bowling figures got rid of Olly Stone with a return catch as South Africa registered 27 runs win.
Anrich Nortje was the pick of bowlers with 4 for 62, Magala 3 for 46, Rabada 2 for 46, and Shamsi 1 for 55. For his 3 for 46, Sisanda Magala was named the player of the match award.
South Africa gain 10 valuable points in the ICC ODI Super League tournament. They will look to continue their impressive run as they take on England in the 2nd ODI to be played on 29 January at the same venue.
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