South Africa win rain-curtailed clash after Donovan Ferreira’s heroics

After winning the ODI series, South Africa have taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I leg of their tour of England. The Proteas defeated the Three Lions by 14 runs via DLS method in the first T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, September 10.

After a long delay due to rain and a wet outfield, the umpires decided that a nine-over-per-side contest could take place. England won the toss and opted to bowl first as chasing is always advantageous in rain-curtailed contests. However, South Africa had an excellent start despite losing opener Ryan Rickelton off the second ball of the innings.

Skipper Aiden Markram played a flamboyant knock at the top of the order, scoring 28 off just 14 balls. Lhuan-dre Pretorius was dismissed cheaply before Dewald Brevis smashed 23 off just 10 deliveries. Tristan Stubbs also played an important cameo, scoring 13 off six balls. However, Donovan Ferreira looked the most dangerous batter during his unbeaten knock of 25 off 11 deliveries.

Another spell of rain meant that South Africa’s innings ended at 97/5 in 7.5 overs. England were set a target of 69 in five overs.

Kagiso Rabada gave South Africa a fantastic start, taking the wicket of Phil Salt off the first ball. Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, and Tom Banton were dismissed for single-digit scores. Jos Buttler tried to take the attack to South Africa all by himself. However, he had too much left to do. Sam Curran scored 10 runs off three balls towards the end as England finished on 54/5 in five overs.

Seam-bowling all-rounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch bagged two wickets each for the tourists. Meanwhile, South Africa’s pace spearhead Rabada also chipped in with a wicket.

The second T20I will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Friday, September 12. England will have to win that clash to stay afloat in the series. The third and final T20I will be held at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

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