England were beaten by 14 runs in a rain-hit and chaotic opening T20 international against South Africa at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday.

Persistent rain delayed the start, reducing the match to nine overs per side. South Africa made the most of the brief dry window, hammering 97-5 in just 7.5 overs before a second downpour further interrupted play.

England were then handed a revised target of 69 runs from five overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. With little room for manoeuvre, they were forced to go on the attack from the first ball, ultimately falling short at 54-5.

Sam Curran, returning to the side, offered a fleeting hope with a six as England required 26 from the final five balls. But the Proteas held firm, with Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen each claiming two wickets to seal the victory.

Skipper Jos Buttler kept England’s hopes alive briefly with a brisk 25 from 11 balls, including three sixes. However, early wickets proved costly—Phil Salt was caught at fine leg from the first delivery of the chase, Jacob Bethell chipped to cover for seven, and Harry Brook suffered a chaotic four-ball duck.

Earlier, Jofra Archer was a late omission and replaced by Luke Wood, who struck immediately by dismissing Ryan Rickelton in the first over. South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram led the charge with a rapid 28 off 14 balls, supported by Dewald Brevis, who smashed 23 from 10. Brevis, recently named the most expensive player in the SA20 league’s auction, fell to Curran’s first ball. Donovan Ferreira added a valuable unbeaten 25 from 11 deliveries to close out the innings.

The three-match series continues on Friday at Old Trafford, where rain is again in the forecast.

Source: BBC

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