ENG vs SA | RVD masterclass helps South Africa maul England by 62 runs

South Africa defeated their English counterparts in the first ODI in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday night, riding on a sparkling ton from Rassie van der Dussen and an outstanding four-fer from Anrich Nortje.

Dussen’s century powers South Africa to a mammoth total

After opting to bat under the scorching heat, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early as the swashbuckling southpaw was castled by Sam Curran in the seventh over.

However, Janneman Malan and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the ship for the visitors, adding 109 off 120 balls for the second wicket.

Although Moeen Ali got the crucial breakthrough of Malan, Aiden Markam and Dussen made sure the Proteas scored at a brisk pace. 

While Dussen slammed a scintillating ton, Markram smashed a well compiled 77 off just 61 balls.  

David Miller’s blistering 14-ball-24 in the slog overs took South Africa to 333 for five wickets at the end of fifty overs. 

Liam Livingstone was England’s most successful bowler, picking two wickets for 29 runs. 

England fall short despite Root’s heroics

Chasing 334 against a formidable Proteas attack on a slow deck was going to be an uphill task for the Englishmen. Still, they started their innings on a positive note with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow adding 102 runs for the first wicket. 

However, Maharaj and Markram spun their web and dismissed the two openers and Ben Stokes in quick succession. Things went further downhill for the hosts as they lost Buttler, Livingstone and Moeen Ali, which left them reeling at 199 for six in 37.4 overs. 

Root’s heroic 77-ball 86 could only reduce the margin of defeat as England were finally bundled out for 271, falling short of the target by 62 runs. 

Anrich Nortje was the chief architect of the hosts’ collapse, picking four wickets for 53 runs. 

Brief scores

South Africa: 333/5 (50) 

Rassie van der Dussen 133(117)

Liam Livingstone 2/29 (4)

England: 271 all out (46.5)

Joe Root 86 (77)

Anrich Nortje 4/53 (8.5)

South Africa won by 62 runs