Yesterday saw the beginning of South Africa’s tour to England at Headingley in the first One Day international. AB de Villiers began the day by winning the toss and sending England in to bat.
Wayne Parnell removed Jason Roy early for one to set the Proteas on their way but a stand of 98 between Alex Hales and Joe Root helped build the innings. However, the dismissals of Hales and Root for 61 and 37 respectively gave the South Africans hope of restricting England to less than 300. Going from 100-1 and looking comfortable to 198-5, the momentum was firmly with the Proteas heading into the latter stage of overs.
Eoin Morgan (107) and Moeen Ali (77*) came back with real intent and freedom as they put together a stand of 117 which got them up past 300 and to a score well above par, posting 339-6 after their 50 overs.
Moeen Ali goes on the charge and Eoin Morgan celebrates a well-constructed hundred.
South Africa began the chase in an authoritative manner led by elder statesman, Hashim Amla (73) playing in his usual fluid, elegant temperament. One of South Africa’s young talents, Quinton De Kock never got going and looked out of sorts for his five. But Faf du Plessis (67) provided a useful aide to Amla as they appeared to be laying the foundations for the Proteas’ destructive middle order, with a partnership of 112 before both batsmen got dismissed in the space of an over.
The 50 over version of the game’s number one batsman AB de Villiers showed his class by formulating 45 but proved the man standing alone as wickets tumbled at the other end, as England bowled the Proteas out for 267 with five overs to spare.
AB de Villiers proved a lone foil as the Proteas fold
With this England take a 1-0 lead to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, hoping to secure the series victory with one game to play.
England celebrate victory against the number one side in ODI cricket
