South Africa’s ODI campaign started off badly as they lost the first ODI of the Royal London ODI series by 72 runs against England at Headingley, Leeds.
England put to bat first by the visitors posted a massive 339 runs in 50 overs, courtesy a captain innings by Eoin Morgan and a gutsy one by Moeen Ali. Morgan looked in prime touch as he scored his 11th ODI ton, scoring 107 off just 93 balls. The impetus towards the end was provided by Moeen Ali who got the nod ahead of Jonny Bairstow. There was pressure on Ali to justify his spot in the playing XI and he made sure he did everything to ascertain a place in the second ODI.
His 51-ball-77 helped England not lose the momentum which they had gathered in the process. Ali hit a huge six to end the innings, which fittingly described his innings.
South Africa started well even after losing Quinton de Kock early on in the innings. Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis built an 88-run stand between them before Faf too fell on 67. South African innings was still intact but late middle-order collapsed to the brilliance of Chris Woakes who picked up 4 wickets in his spell.
Captain de Villiers scored 45 off 38 but it was not enough. Duminy, Miller failed and then it was too much left to be scored by the likes of Morris and Parnell. South Africa were bowled out for 267 as England.
