ENG Falters Against SA in ODI Opener

England faced a challenging six-wicket defeat to South Africa in the first ODI at Kimberley, struggling both with the bat and in the field. Choosing to bat on a difficult pitch, England were dismissed for 186, with Charlie Dean top-scoring with an unbeaten 47 off 57 balls. Despite a late partnership between Dean and Sophie Ecclestone, Marizanne Kapp’s incisive bowling dismantled England’s top order, leaving them reeling early. 

South Africa, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, reached the target comfortably with 70 balls to spare. Wolvaardt, dropped twice on five and 27, anchored the innings with a composed 59 not out, marking her 33rd ODI fifty. Nadine de Klerk provided fireworks at the end, smashing an unbeaten 48 off 28 balls, including the winning boundary. 

England captain Heather Knight, who contributed 40 runs, acknowledged her side's shortcomings, emphasising the need for a stronger total and tighter fielding. Despite the loss, Knight praised the partnership between Dean and Ecclestone for keeping England in contention. 

For South Africa, Kapp’s early breakthroughs and de Klerk’s finishing proved decisive. Wolvaardt credited Kapp’s return for bolstering their performance, while also acknowledging England’s depth and resilience. 

With South Africa leading the three-match series, the second ODI in Durban presents a critical opportunity for England to level the contest. Meanwhile, the Proteas aim to secure the series win and carry momentum into the final match in Potchefstroom.

England in South Africa - full schedule

T20 series

First T20 (East London): England won by four wickets

Second T20 (Benoni): England won by 36 runs

Third T20: (Centurion): England won by nine wickets

ODI series

First ODI (Kimberley): South Africa won by eight wickets

Second ODI: Sunday, December 8 (8 am, Durban)

Third ODI: Wednesday, December 11 (noon, Potchefstroom)

Test match

One-off Test: December 15 -18 (8am, Bloemfontein)