- South Africa beat England by 6 wickets
- Laura Wolvaardt scores unbeaten 59
- England bowled out for 186 in 38.4 overs
England suffered a six-wicket defeat in the first One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa after a subpar performance with both bat and ball in Kimberley.
Chasing a modest target of 187, South Africa reached the required runs with ease, completing the chase in 38.2 overs, with 11.4 overs to spare. Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a resilient 59* from 114 balls, guiding her team to victory despite early setbacks.
England’s bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs, with Wolvaardt benefiting from two dropped catches on scores of five and 27. The opener remained steadfast, holding the innings together until Nadine de Klerk’s quickfire 48* from just 28 balls sealed the win in style.
Earlier, England’s batting faltered, and they were dismissed for a modest 186 in just 38.4 overs. Despite a tricky pitch offering uneven bounce, the English batters were wasteful, failing to capitalize on their starts. At 106-7, the innings seemed in disarray until number eight Charlie Dean stepped up, rescuing the team with an unbeaten 47. She formed a vital partnership with Sophie Ecclestone, who made 17, as they added 67 runs for the eighth wicket.
South Africa’s victory was also built on the return of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who had been rested for the preceding T20 series. Kapp provided a masterclass with the new ball, claiming the first three wickets of the England innings. England were reeling early as Sophia Dunkley, a late inclusion after Maia Bouchier injured her neck in the warm-up, was dismissed for four. Tammy Beaumont followed shortly after, bowled for 11, and Nat Sciver-Brunt was dismissed lbw for a duck.
Heather Knight provided some resistance with a well-made 40, but the collapse continued. Dean and Ecclestone’s efforts revived the innings, with Dean equalling her career-best score, though Ecclestone was brilliantly caught by de Klerk for 17.
South Africa’s chase wasn’t without its challenges. While England’s leading spinner, Ecclestone, bowled a miserly spell of 0-29, the South African batters played with caution, avoiding any further setbacks. Wolvaardt’s patient knock ultimately proved to be the difference as she held the innings together through the middle overs.
The second ODI of the series is set to take place in Durban on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back from this disappointing loss.
