After a disappointing ODI series, England hoped for a better performance in the three-match T20I series, but South Africa dashed those hopes, winning the first match by 14 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match was delayed by four hours due to rain, resulting in a shortened game of 12.5 overs. During this time, four South African batsmen played with a strike rate exceeding 200, overwhelming England’s bowlers. South Africa scored 97 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 7.5 overs. Aiden Markram top-scored with 28 runs off 14 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes. Devon Ferreira remained unbeaten with 25 runs off 11 balls, including 3 sixes. Dewald Brevis scored 23 runs off 10 balls with 3 sixes, while Tristan Stubbs contributed 13 runs off 6 balls, featuring a four and a six. Luke Wood took two wickets for England, while Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, and Sam Curran each claimed one wicket. When rain interrupted play again, England was set a revised target of 68 runs in 5 overs but could only manage 54 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Jos Buttler scored 25 runs off 11 balls, hitting a four and three sixes. Sam Curran remained not out with 10 runs. England has now lost twice in 11 T20I matches in Cardiff and both times to South Africa. A total of 14 sixes were hit in the 12.5-over match.
