Van der Dussen, Nortje power South Africa to 1-0 ODI series lead

South Africa produced a sensational comeback with the ball to beat England by 27 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series in Bloemfontein on Friday. After Rassie van der Dussen’s sublime century powered South Africa to 298 in the first innings, the Proteas were under the pump in the run chase due to some glorious batting from the English openers, who added 146 runs in the first 20 overs. However, Sisada Magala and Anrich Nortje led the fightback for the hosts to dismiss England for 271 and give South Africa a vital victory in their quest for direct qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Having won the toss and opted to bat, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma gave South Africa a terrific start. Both batters went after Jofra Archer on his return to international cricket, who conceded 41 runs in his five powerplay overs, to take South Africa to 75 for one at the end of the powerplay.

Rassie van der Dussen carried forward South Africa’s momentum after the departure of both openers and Aiden Markram. The number three shared a half-century partnership with Heinrich Klaasen, with the pair milking the singles through the middle overs and finding the odd boundary off Adil Rashid. The leg-spinner did manage to dismiss Klaasen LBW before the wicket-keeper could switch gears, but Rassie van der Dussen ensured he batted through the innings to take South Africa to a strong total.

Van der Dussen got to his 4^th ODI century in the 45^th over and added a 110-run stand with David Miller. The left-hander struggled with his timing initially but struck a flurry of boundaries in the death overs to help the Proteas finish with 298 for seven.

In response, England appeared to be cruising in the run chase after the start given by openers Jason Roy and Dawid Malan. The duo burst out of the gates, adding 40 runs in five overs, and carried that momentum throughout the first part of the innings. Aiden Markram was carted for 15 runs in his opening over, and Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi weren’t spared either as Roy raced to 86 in 63 balls. The duo put on 146 runs in 19.2 overs before Sisada Magala broke the stand to relieve some pressure. Malan’s wicket brought two more quick dismissals, with Ben Duckett and Harry Brook falling for single figures, but the hosts were still in cruise control with Roy at the crease.

The opener brought up his 11^th ODI ton in the 25^th over to put England in the ascendancy, but his departure at 196 for three changed the complexion of the chase. The tourists lost their way after Roy’s dismissal as the South African pacers – Nortje, Rabada, and Magala – fought back with the old ball, picking up the final six wickets for just 49 runs to steal a stunning victory and take a 1-0 series lead.