The first match of the ODI series between England and South Africa was played on February 4, Tuesday at Cape Town, in South Africa. South African team was led by newly appointed captain wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton De Kock while England team was led by Eoin Morgan. Both the teams played beautiful cricket and tried to pull the match on their side.
South African team won the toss and elected to field first. On batting first, England openers gave an excellent start to the team and made a partnership of 51 runs. Roy showed some brilliant shorts and unfortunately got out to debutant Smuts on 32 runs. Captain Morgan failed to play good inning and got out early, but middle-order batsman Joe Denly played a beautiful inning. However, he, unfortunately, fall 13 runs short to a century and got out on 87 runs. Chris Woakes also scored 40 runs and helped England to reach a total of 258 runs in their 50 over. Spin bowler Shamsi took most 3 wickets for South Africa.
In 2nd inning, when South African openers came to chase the target, they did not give a good start to the team and made only 25 runs for the first wicket. Captain De Kock and Bavuma made an unbelievable partnership of best 173 runs for the second wicket. Captain of South African team scored a brilliant match-winning century, but unfortunately, Bavuma got out at 98 to CJ Jordan. South African team won the match comfortably only in 48 over and with 7 wickets in hand. South African team took an early lead by 1-0 in this series and also shifted momentum towards their side.
South African captain Quinton De Kock was selected for the player of the match award.
England captain on post-match interview congratulated and appreciated the performance of South African team.