Sonny Baker Struggles as South Africa Dominate First ODI

Leeds, 2 September 2025 – In a clinical display, South Africa trounced England in the opening men’s one-day international at Headingley, chasing down a modest target of 132 with ease, securing a seven-wicket win with 175 balls to spare. England collapsed to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs, a telling indictment of their shambolic preparations.

A Preparation Gone Wrong

England’s build-up to the match was far from ideal. Most of their squad only managed patchy training in the days leading up to the game, thanks to fatigue and the recent conclusion of the Hundred tournament—some players had featured as recently as 48 hours before the ODI. The result? A lackadaisical performance from a side that looked unprepared and out of sync.

Markram Runs Riot

South African skipper Aiden Markram was the standout performer with a scintillating unbeaten 86 off 55 balls, dismantling the inexperienced England attack, particularly targeting debutant Sonny Baker. Markram’s assault set the tone for a dominant chase, as he registered quick-fire boundaries and asserted control from the very start.

Keshav Maharaj: Masterclass in Spin

The game turned decisively when spin ace Keshav Maharaj was introduced. The world’s top-ranked ODI bowler delivered a sensational spell—4 wickets in just 33 deliveries—that triggered a catastrophic collapse for England, who lost their last seven wickets for a mere 29 runs. Maharaj attributed the win not to England’s frailties, but to the hard work of the South African camp leading up to both this series and their recent tour of Australia.

England’s Top Order Implodes

England’s innings never truly got going. Ben Duckett’s early dismissal for five set the tone, and only four players reached double figures. Jamie Smith looked promising with a patient 54 but fell immediately after reaching his half-century—cutting off what might have been a sustaining partnership. As the innings unravelled, misfortune compounded the damage. A dropped catch by Joe Root off Ryan Rickelton and a missed LBW review opportunity went begging, but slipped away amid the broader chaos.

Baker Gruelling Debut

Sonny Baker’s much-publicized debut was a baptism of fire. Tasked with opening the bowling, he leaked 56 runs in his first four overs—45 of which came off Markram alone. Though he steadied himself in his follow-up spell, the early damage had already been done. Harry Brook, however, praised Baker’s resilience: “He got a bit of tap at the start but [...] the way he kept cracking on and digging deep was awesome to see.”