England won the test series against South Africa 3-1 and was full of confidence going into the 3 match ODI series. This was the first ODI match that England was going to play since winning the 2019 World Cup. The Poms were the favourites even though they were playing the Proteas at home.
However, they were completely outplayed in all departments of the game and South Africa cruised to victory to take a 1-0 lead.
England has one of the most powerful batting line-ups in ODI cricket but they struggled to get going against South Africa. Their openers Jason Roy (32) and Jonny Bairstow (19) got off to starts but were unable to capitalise and make a big score. The loss of Joe Root via a run out did not help England and they looked to be in deep trouble at 5 for 108.
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Joe Denly put his head down and held the middle order together making 87 from 103 balls. He received support from Chris Woakes (40) as they helped take England to a modest 258/8 in their 50 overs. The absence of Ben Stokes hurt England as Stokes has bailed the team out over and over again in all formats of the game.
The pick of the bowlers for South Africa was the spinner Tabraiz Shamsi who finished his 10 overs and conceded just 38 and picked up 3 wickets.
Quinton de Kock Hits Century
Quinton de Kock is captaining South Africa during this ODI series and by the look of things he might continue with the captaincy. The wicket-keeper batsman led from the front and quickly took charge of the innings. The South African captain played freely and put pressure on the England bowling line-up as he formed a 150 plus partnership with Temba Bavuma who came in at 3.
De Kock made 107 of just 113 balls while T Bavuma made 98 of 103 balls to help South Africa get into a commanding position. H van der Dussen (38) completed the formalities with JJ Smuts as South Africa cruised to victory in 47.4 overs. Quinton de Kock received the man of the match award for his match winning century.
England captain Eoin Morgan wasn’t happy with the way his side played and admitted that they were rusty after taking such a long break from ODI cricket. They must win the next ODI which takes place on 7 Feb in order to keep the series alive, Can England Do It? Check out all the latest betting odds with our cricket sites.