England Fall Short as South Africa Win Rain-Hit Cardiff T20 by 14 Runs

England slipped to a 14-run defeat against South Africa in a rain-affected first T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, handing the visitors a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

The match, decided under the DLS method, started nearly four hours late on Wednesday and was further curtailed by rain, eventually lasting just 12.5 overs in total.

Batting first, South Africa raced to 97 runs in 7.5 overs. Captain Aiden Markram smashed 28 off 14 balls with two fours and two sixes, Donovan Ferreira finished unbeaten on 25, while Dewald Brevis added 23. Luke Wood was the pick of England’s bowlers with 2 for 22.

DLS set England a daunting target of 69 runs from just 5 overs. The chase faltered immediately as Kagiso Rabada removed Phil Salt with the very first ball. Harry Brook departed for a duck, while Jacob Bethell managed only 7.

Skipper Jos Buttler offered brief resistance with 25 off 15, but he lacked support at the other end. Marco Jansen (2–18) and Corbin Bosch (2–20) combined to dismantle the hosts’ batting order. With 26 runs needed off the final over, Bosch sealed the contest by dismissing Tom Banton first ball, ending England’s hopes.