Proteas Triumph Over England in Rain-Marred Opener

South Africa claimed a 14-run victory over England in the rain-affected first T20 international at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Wednesday, thanks to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

The match was reduced to just 12.5 overs in total after persistent rain. Chasing a revised target of 69 from five overs, England faltered to 54-5 against a disciplined Proteas attack.

Marco Jansen (2-18) and Corbin Bosch (2-20) led the charge, with only England captain Jos Buttler managing to score more than 20.

Earlier, South Africa posted 97-5 in 7.5 overs after winning the toss. Captain Aiden Markram hit 28 off 14 balls, while Donovan Ferreira, named player of the match, added a quick-fire 25 not out, including three sixes. Dewald Brevis contributed 23.

England’s Luke Wood, preferred ahead of Jofra Archer in the damp conditions, took 2-22, including the wicket of opener Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck.

England’s reply began poorly when Phil Salt was caught off the first ball from Kagiso Rabada. Harry Brook also departed without scoring, while Jacob Bethell made just seven before falling to Jansen.

Buttler briefly kept the hosts in contention but was caught behind off Jansen in the penultimate over. England required 26 runs from the final six balls, but Bosch dismissed Tom Banton with his first delivery to seal victory.

South Africa now lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20 scheduled for Friday at Old Trafford.