England have been crushed by six wickets after a below-par exhibiting within the first one-day worldwide in opposition to South Africa.
Chasing 187 in scorching circumstances in Kimberley, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a gritty unbeaten 59 from 114 balls to succeed in the goal with 11.4 overs to spare.
England’s bowlers toiled, however have been left to rue dropping Wolvaardt on 5 and 27 because the opener held the innings collectively earlier than Nadine de Klerk’s vigorous 48 not out from 28 balls secured the victory in model.
Whereas the floor was tough and provided loads of uneven bounce, England’s batters have been wasteful in being dismissed for 186 in 38.4 overs.
Quantity eight Charlie Dean rescued the innings with 47 not out after England collapsed to 106-7, including 67 for the eighth wicket with Sophie Ecclestone.
South Africa have been boosted by the return of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who was rested for the previous T20 collection and delivered a new-ball masterclass to take England’s first three wickets.
Sophia Dunkley was a late inclusion on the prime of the order after Maia Bouchier injured her neck within the warm-up, and was caught behind for 4 earlier than Tammy Beaumont was bowled for 11 and Nat Sciver-Brunt was lbw for a duck.
Heather Knight’s 40 led a quick revival earlier than it was left to Dean and Ecclestone to point out some resistance, with Dean matching her career-best rating after her associate was brilliantly caught by De Klerk for 17.
South Africa’s batters additionally struggled to attain fluently, however they withstood the specter of spinner Ecclestone by enjoying cautiously by her miserly spell of 0-29, and Wolvaardt’s willingness to grind out the runs proved the distinction.
The second of three ODIs takes place in Durban on Sunday.
