ENG v SA 2025 1st ODI Match: SA Won By 7 Wickets, Maharaja’s 4 Wickets

On 2 September, in the 1st ODI of the South Africa tour of England 2025, played in Leeds, South Africa beat England by 7 wickets. Keshav Maharaja took 4 wickets. Wiaan Mulder took 3 wickets. South Africa leads the 3-match ODI series by 1-0. 

Match Summary

Maharaja and Mulder’s collapsed England batting lineup, all out under 131

England gets out to a solid start at 82 for 2 after getting asked to bat, but the innings quickly fell apart. They ended with a poor total of 131 after losing eight wickets for a mere 49 runs. England's leading scorer, Jamie Smith, struck a tough 54 off 48 balls. 

The first England white-ball skipper to be run out in an ODI, Harry Brook, battled and only managed 12 before being run out, an uncommon sight. 

Sonny Baker, who was making his debut, had a horrible start, giving up 56 runs in just four overs and finally scoring 76 in seven overs without taking a wicket. Wiaan Mulder provided support with 3 for 33, while Keshav Maharaj led the South African attack with 4 for 22.

Markram and Ryan’s explosive innings chase the target in just 20.5 overs

The chase was quick and forceful. With a quick 86 off 55 balls, Aiden Markram effectively ended England's chances of winning the match by securing a dominant opening partnership with *Ryan Rickelton (31)**.

Adil Rashid, a spinner, played late and took 3 for 26, but the target was sealed long before the midway point.