Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Proteas have lost the opening match of their tour to the United Kingdom, going down by six wickets to the England Lions in Taunton on Tuesday.
While it may have just been a warm-up match without List A status, the manner in which the Lions cruised to victory will be a concern to the Proteas’ brains trust.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Africa posted what looked to be a respectable 318/9 in their 50 overs, with Janneman Malan top-scoring with 103.
He was ably supported by David Miller (55*) and Heinrich Klaasen (51), while Reeza Hendriks and Aiden Markram chipped in with 36 and 31.
England Lions treated the Proteas bowlers with little respect in their chase, however, as Will Smeed (90 off 56 balls) and Ben Duckett (85 off 67 balls) led the way.
None of the South African bowlers – of which eight were used – could stem the run flow as England’s run rate reached 8.63 when the winning runs were scored.
Andile Phehlukwayo (2/45) was the most successful of the Proteas attack, while Keshav Maharaj and Dwaine Pretorius picked up a wicket each.
South Africa will face the Lions again on Thursday in a List A encounter before taking on England in the first one-day international next Tuesday.
Scores in brief:
Proteas 318/9 in 50 overs
(J Malan 103, D Miller 55*, H Klaasen 51, D Payne 4/39, R Ahmed 3/54)
England Lions 321/4 in 37.1 overs
(W Smeed 90, B Duckett 85, T Banton 57, A Phelukwayo 2/45)
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