Aiden Markram's dominating performance helps South Africa win against England in 1st ODI

South Africa continue their dominating performance in ODI cricket as they went on to beat England in the first match by seven wickets. Temba Bavuma and Co. will be quite proud of how far they have come as a team. Starting from winning an ODI series against Australia to beating England in their own home ground, this is nothing less than success. 

It was the visitors' decision to bowl first on winning the toss. While the English men lost Ben Duckett early on in the innings, Jamie Smith and Joe Root tried to take the match forward. However, wickets kept coming at regular intervals for the Proteas as Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder were in no mood to relax. While Jamie Smith scored 54 off 48 including 10 boundaries, the other batters couldn't even tough the 20-run mark. 

It was a disappointing performance from the English batters but the credit goes to the South Africa bowlers for not letting anyone settle down. England scored just 131 runs in the first innings. While Mulder claimed three wickets, Maharaj got four scalps under his name. 

The Proteas had to chase 132 runs which looked too easy for them as Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton started on a fiery note. They scored 121 runs in just 18 overs. It wasn't a lot of runs but the English bowlers did try their best to keep taking wickets. For a while, they even succeeded in dismissing three batters as Tristan Stubbs was dismissed on a golden duck. 

However, Markram's 86 off 55 runs, including 13 boundaries and two sixes, helped South Africa clinch victory in the first game. Now, the visitors lead the series 1-0. The English batters were a total failure today which is why the score was extremely low. For an incredible performance, Maharaj won the Player of the Match award. 

"Thought was a really good wicket. Little bit of nibble and fortunately our bowlers managed to utilise that. We know the English lads play extremely well in their conditions and so good to see the guys put their plans to fruition today. I have looked at some of the best in the world and sort of managed to make minor changes and it has paid dividends. We are in a wonderful place but still we are in transition. Good to see the guys put their hands up in every single game we play," said Maharaj in the post-match presentation.