Jamie Smith’s Fifty Not Enough as England Crash to 121/8 Against South Africa in Leeds ODI

LEEDS – England’s batting order collapsed under relentless pressure from South Africa’s bowlers, crashing to 121/8 in 22.1 overs in the first ODI at Headingley. Jamie Smith’s stylish 54 off 48 balls was the lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing batting effort.

After being asked to bat first, England lost wickets regularly. Wiaan Mulder (3/33) was the standout, dismissing Jamie Smith, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer. Keshav Maharaj (4/22) and Lungi Ngidi (1/20) applied constant pressure.

England’s batting woes:

• Jamie Smith hit 10 boundaries in his half-century before being dismissed at 102/4.
   
• Joe Root (14) and Harry Brook (12) couldn’t build on their starts.
   
• Captain Jos Buttler (15) fell cheaply, and the tail folded quickly.
   
• England collapsed from 82/3 to 119/8 in under eight overs.

Fall of Wickets: 1-13 (Duckett), 2-44 (Root), 3-82 (Brook), 4-102 (Smith), 5-107 (Bethell), 6-117 (Jacks), 7-119 (Buttler), 8-119 (Archer).

South Africa’s bowlers were sharp and clinical, leaving England’s lower order with the daunting task of saving the innings. Fans are following every delivery of this action-packed ODI live on tapmad.