Jason Roy ton in vain as Nortje, Magala propels South Africa to win
Jason Roy 113 off 91 (Source: Twitter)
Rassie van der Dussen masterclass with the bat, followed by a disciplined bowling at the end helped South Africa overcome the world champions by 27 runs in the First ODI of the three-match series at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
Nortje, Magala stifles England
Chasing 299, England got off to a flying start, but shockingly fell 27-runs short at the end as South Africa bowlers came back stronger to get their side across the line after their openers added a massive 146-run partnership for the first wicket. Jason Roy, who was going through a poor patch, got off to a good start and completed his half century in 45 balls.
Dawid Malan at the other end played second fiddle to Roy masterclass and departed after a well made 59 off 55. England were absolutely cruising towards the victory till the first wicket, but Sisanda Magala and Anrich Nortje reduced them to 146-0 to 153-3. However, Roy continued the onslaught and completed his century in 79 balls. Rabada came back into the attack, sent back Roy and England batters started to fall like a pack of cards.
The likes of Jos Buttler and Sam Curran tried to keep England in the game but South Africa held their nerves, bowling them out for 271 with more than five overs to spare. Nortje and Magala were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, as it was their spell which allowed the hosts to make a comeback in the game and restrict England by 27 runs at the end.
van der Dussen’s ton kept South Africa going
Rassie van der Dussen scored 111 off 117 (Source: Twitter)
Earlier, after electing to bat first, South Africa got off to a good start as skipper Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock added 61 runs for the first wicket. Both the openers were looking in sublime touch but were soon halted by Moeen Ali and Sam Curran to reduce the hosts to 87 for 2 at the end of fourteen overs.
Rassie van der Dussen, at three, kept the scoreboard moving. The visitors kept wickets and captain Jos Buttler was brilliant with his change of bowling to cease the run-flowing during the middle overs. The in-form duo, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen started their innings but failed to capitalize.
David Miller joined van der Dussen at six and the duo went on to add 110 runs for the fifth wicket. Van der Dussen completed his fourth ODI century, his second against England. Miller, who took his time initially, also scored a brilliant half century at the end and helped South Africa to post a formidable 298.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 298/7 (50 Overs)
Rassie van der Dussen 111 (117), David Miller 53 (56);
Sam Curran 3/35, Olly Stone 1/37
England: 271/10 (44.2 Overs)
Jason Roy 113 (91), Dawid Malan 59 (55);
Anrich Nortje 4/62, Sisanda Magala 3/46
South Africa won by 27 runs.
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