Maharaj, Mulder star as SA rout England in Leeds

Maharaj, Mulder star as SA rout England in Leeds

Keshav Maharaj (4-22) and Wiaan Mulder (3-33) took seven wickets between them as South Africa crushed England by seven wickets in the ODI series opener at Headingley, Leeds.

South Africa, opting to bowl first, made the most of ideal conditions. England were off to a jittery start, with Ben Duckett dismissed early. Jamie Smith was the only half-centurion in England's innings, making 54 off 47 balls.

England collapsed from 82/2 to 131 all out in 24.3 overs. Mulder and Maharaj were the chief destroyers, with Maharaj taking 4-22 and Mulder 3-33.

South Africa chased down the target of 131 with ease, reaching 137/3 in 20.5 overs. Aiden Markram was the star with a blistering 85 off 55 balls. He reached his fifty in just 23 balls, a country record against England.

Markram and Ryan Rickelton put on a 121-run opening stand. Adil Rashid took 3-26 for England, but it wasn't enough to prevent a South African victory.