Markram Stars as South Africa Beat England in 1st ODI
South Africa vs England 1st ODI 2025 began with fireworks as Aiden Markram powered the Proteas to a seven-wicket win in Durham. With Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder dismantling England’s batting lineup, the visitors took a 1-0 series lead in dominant fashion.
Maharaj and Mulder Lead South Africa’s Bowling Charge
South Africa vs England 1st ODI turned quickly in the Proteas’ favor when Keshav Maharaj, the world’s No.1 ODI bowler, grabbed 4 for 22. His spin combined with Wiaan Mulder’s 3 for 33 to bowl England out for just 131. Significantly, England collapsed from 82 for 3 to 131 all out, losing seven wickets for 29 runs. Their approach, filled with rash strokes, was punished by South Africa’s clinical attack.
Keshav Maharaj wins Player of the Match in the 1st ODI for his stunning spell — 4️⃣ crucial wickets! 🎯🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 2, 2025
📸 Getty #KeshavMaharaj #SAcricket #ODIseries #PlayerOfTheMatch #SpinMagic pic.twitter.com/tXFtiZehE6
Markram Blazes Fastest Fifty by South African Opener
In reply, Aiden Markram dominated the South Africa vs England 1st ODI chase with an explosive 86 off 43 balls. His fifty, reached in only 23 deliveries, was the fastest by a South African opener in ODIs. Supported by Ryan Rickelton in a 121-run stand, Markram ensured the chase ended in just 20.5 overs. Although he fell just before the finish, Dewald Brevis wrapped up the win with a six.
Aiden Markram shines with a solid *86 runs* against England in the 1st ODI! 💥🇿🇦
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 2, 2025
📸 Getty #AidenMarkram #SAvsENG #ODIcricket #CricketAction #Getty pic.twitter.com/BDcPCSRI7P
England’s Batting Struggles Continue
England’s batting frailties once again came under the spotlight in the South Africa vs England 1st ODI. Jamie Smith top-scored with 54, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler all fell cheaply, leaving England with their fourth-lowest total against South Africa in ODI history. Despite flashes of resistance, their lack of preparation after the Hundred was evident.
South Africa Take 1-0 Lead in ODI Series
The South Africa vs England 1st ODI result highlighted the gulf in sharpness between the two sides. South Africa, fresh off a tough series against Australia, looked disciplined and ruthless. In contrast, England’s overreliance on boundary-hitting backfired. With this emphatic win, the Proteas head into the next ODI with confidence, while England must regroup quickly to stay alive in the series.
