Cricket fans at Headingley witnessed one of the shortest One Day Internationals in recent memory as Aiden Markram blazed his way to a record fifty off just 23 balls, setting up a thumping South Africa victory over England in the first ODI of the series on September 2, 2025.

The game lasted only 272 balls as South Africa bowled England out for 131 in just 24.3 overs, thanks largely to Keshav Maharaj (4/22) and Wiaan Mulder (3/33). In reply, South Africa stormed to the target in just 20.5 overs, finishing on 137/3, powered by Markram’s breathtaking 86.

England’s batting collapse

England’s top order began brightly with Jamie Smith and Joe Root striking crisp boundaries early on. But Root’s dismissal to Lungi Ngidi opened the floodgates. After Smith’s fighting fifty (54), England collapsed spectacularly, losing seven wickets for just 29 runs.

Harry Brook was run out after a misjudged second run, and skipper Jos Buttler looked out of sorts before edging behind. Jofra Archer and debutant Sonny Baker fell cheaply, while Adil Rashid was trapped lbw.

It was Maharaj who stole the show with his guile and accuracy. Recently elevated to No.1 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, he showcased why, ripping through the middle order with flight, drift, and precision. Mulder complemented him brilliantly, using seam movement to claim three vital wickets.

Markram’s fireworks seal the game

Chasing just 132, Markram came out all guns blazing. Against the nervous debutant Sonny Baker, he smashed boundaries at will, taking 20 runs in one over, including two towering sixes. His half-century came in just 23 balls — the fastest by a South African opener in ODI history.

Markram’s strokeplay had shades of vintage South African batting flair. He peppered the off-side with blistering drives, launched straight sixes, and showed England’s bowlers no mercy. His 86 off 46 balls included 44 runs in boundaries, effectively killing the contest within the first ten overs.

Ryan Rickelton (32) supported him in a dominant 121-run opening stand. Although Markram fell with just 11 runs needed, the damage was already done. Temba Bavuma and Dewald Brevis finished things off, the latter smashing the winning runs with a six.

England’s fatigue vs South Africa’s preparation

This heavy defeat highlighted the difference in preparation. England entered the series straight after the Hundred, with minimal training sessions. Their loose shots and lack of discipline suggested fatigue rather than bravery.

South Africa, on the other hand, arrived well-drilled after a tough series against Australia. Bavuma’s men not only executed their bowling plans but also fielded superbly, taking all seven catching chances offered — a marked improvement from their lapses in Australia.

What this means for both sides

For South Africa, this emphatic win is another step toward their goal of playing fearless cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Markram’s blistering knock was a statement of intent, while Maharaj’s consistency keeps them in good stead.

For England, however, this was a wake-up call. Their batting lacked application, their bowling was erratic, and their fielding failed to inspire. With two matches left in the series, Buttler and his men will need a sharp turnaround to avoid a humiliating series defeat.

Conclusion

Cricket is often called a game of fine margins, but this Headingley ODI was anything but close. South Africa’s clinical performance, highlighted by Markram’s record knock and Maharaj’s wizardry, left England shell-shocked. The visitors now lead the series 1-0, and the message is clear — South Africa are embracing their fearless brand of cricket, while England must rediscover their rhythm quickly.

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