South Africa vs England: Laura Wolvaardt steers hosts to opening ODI victory
England had a below-par performance in their first one-day international against South Africa and were beaten by six wickets.
Chasing 187 in sweltering conditions in Kimberley, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt made an unbeaten 59 off 114 balls with 11.4 to spare Achieve the goal without hitting the ball.
England’s bowlers worked hard but unfortunately in the opener Walvat was dismissed off the 5th and 27th ball, followed by Nadine de Klerk in the 28th ball Hitting 48 balls to secure victory in style.
While the pitch was tricky and the bounce was uneven, it was a waste as England batsmen were bowled out for 186 in 38.4 overs.
After England were thrashed 106-7, number eight Charlie Dean saved the innings with 47 not out and joined Sophie Ecclestone for the eighth The wicket added 67 runs.
South Africa were boosted by the return of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who had been rested in the previous T20 series and delivered a masterclass with the new ball, taking England’s first three Wickets.
Sophia Dunkley, who led the way in the game after Maia Bouchier suffered a neck injury in warmups, had 11 points, 11 points from Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley trailed by four points before Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 11 points.
Heather Knight’s 40 led the way before Dean and Ecclestone showed some resistance before her partner was beaten by de Klerk De Klerk tied her career high after catching 17 points.
South Africa’s batsmen also struggled to score runs smoothly; But they withstood the threat of spinner Ecclestone, playing cautiously in her stingy performance of 0-29, as evidenced by Walwat’s fighting spirit.
The second of three ODIs will be played in Durban on Sunday.
