Clinical Proteas, after Van der Dussen heroics, stun England to win 1st ODI

The Proteas were clinical with bat and ball as they beat England by 62 runs in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

SCOREBOARD | England v SA - 1st ODI

Rassie van der Dussen’s superb 134 (117, 10 x 4) was the catalyst for South Africa’s 333/5 after stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj won the toss and elected to bat first.

England, in response, were all out for 271 with Anrich Nortje (4/53 in 8.5), South Africa's chief destroyer. 

The heat, which reached 36 degrees while England were bowling, was a factor that the South African batters seemed far better acclimatised to.

Quinton de Kock (19) looked good before he was bowled trying to smash Sam Curran over midwicket, but Janneman Malan (57 off 77) was assured in a 119-run partnership with Van der Dussen that was ultimately the platform for South Africa’s success.

Malan was out caught on the midwicket fence taking on Moeen Ali, but his departure allowed Aiden Markram to join the fray.

Markram, more miss than hit for the Proteas in recent times, played a crucial innings of 77 (61) that reminded of why he has been accompanied by so much hype and expectation throughout his career.

His 145-run stand with Van der Dussen for the third wicket was world-class, with the pair’s running between the wickets particularly impressive.

Markram was finding the fence with relative ease, while Van der Dussen’s vast array of shot-making ability and running intensity meant the Proteas were never bogged down.

David Miller (24* off 14) played a fortunate yet effective cameo at the back-end, but South Africa couldn’t be comfortable in their efforts given England’s well-documented ability to post big totals.

The hosts started well, with openers Jason Roy (43 off 62) and Jonny Bairstow (63 off 71)