Game plan was to bowl as straight as possible: Sisanda Magala after his match-winning effort

Magala was named Player of the Match [Associated Press]

When South Africa needed something special to win the first ODI against England, an unlikely hero stood up for the home team. Sisanda Magala turned out to be a game-changer as England lost the plot in the middle overs and lost the game by 27 runs on Friday.

Magala picked up 3 for 46, which included crucial wickets of Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, and Moeen Ali.

He was rightly adjudged as the Player of the Match, and the seamer was ecstatic after a match-winning performance for his side.

"Very happy considering the position we were in. To pull off that type of win was very good for us. Temba was trying to suss out the situation. I was first-change, it was what the situation needed. 

Bowl as straight as possible, hit the length, a few change-ups. Keep it simple. A bit two-paced, used the steepness. Worked out for us. Time for rest now!"

South Africa posted 298 for 7, thanks to a sublime century from Rassie van der Dussen. At one stage, England were well on their course to win the match, but Magala changed the game with a brilliant spell of bowling.

The second ODI of the series takes place on January 29. England need to win the game to stay alive in the series.

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