ODI world champions England began their short series away against South Africa. Buttler and his men are playing a short 3 match series with the 1st ODI which was played on Friday at Bloemfontein. The home side won the match despite England having control of most of the match. South Africa ran out winners by 27 after a middle order collapse cost England dear.
Marais Erasmus forgets he is in the middle of a game –
The incident in question happened in the 2nd ball of the 25th over with Anrich Nortje bowling to Jason Roy. The English man was facing up to Nortje and played the ball when Erasmus was seen turning away. The umpire had forgotten that he was in the middle of the game and only turned back to spot the action after the shot was played by Roy.
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) January 28, 2023
South Africa get off to a good start –
Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first, Bavuma was seen in aggressive intent with the bat. Opening alongside Quinton De Kock, the pair went after the English new ball bowlers to add 61 in 8.4 overs. Bavuma scored 38 off 28 balls with 4 fours and 1 six. Moeen Ali had the South African captain out caught by Sam Curran to give England its 1st wicket.
Van Der Dussen and Miller flay England –
De Kock was soon out for 37 when he was caught behind by Buttler off Curran. Markram and Klassen scored 13 and 30 each to have the home team at 171/4. Van Der Dussen was joined by David Miller and the pair added 110 for the 5th wicket. Dussen scored his 4th ODI ton before falling for 111 (117B with 6x4 and 1x6), while Miller scored 53 off 56 balls with 4 fours and a six to help SA reach 298.
Archer fails to shine on his comeback—
Sam Curran picked 3 wickets for England as Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Olly Stone picked a wicket each. Archer playing a game for his country after 2 years gave away 81 runs from his 10 overs for 1 wicket.
Jason Roy strikes a masterful century –
England began well with a 146 run stand between David Malan and Jason Roy in 19.3 overs. Malan was the first to go for 59, before England lost 2 more wickets. Ben Duckett was out for 3 and Harry Brook was out for a duck on debut. Jason Roy though continued as he scored his 11th ODI century.
Nortje turns the game towards SA –
Constant good pace bowling by Rabada, Nortje and Magala had the English team in trouble. Rabada picked 2/36, while Magala picked 3/36. The star of the show was none other Nortje who swung the match towards the home team with 4/62 from his 10 overs. Nortje got the wickets of Duckett, Buttler, Willey and Archer to win the game by 27 runs.