England vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Eoin Morgan’s ton, Moeen Ali’s cameo and other highlights

The contest was also the first-ever day-night match at Headingley.

World’s No.1 One-Day International (ODI) team South Africa clashed against No. 5-ranked England in the first of the three-match series. The contest was also the first-ever day-night match at Headingley. Batting first, the hosts’ complied 339  thanks to a superb show by Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali. After being set an imposing target of 340 (highest ever at Leeds), the South African batting failed to produce a unified show and ended up losing the game. England took a vital 1-0 lead as they won the contest by 72 runs, as South Africa were bowled out for a mere 267 in 45 overs. Lets us have a quick glance at some of the highlights of the affair: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD, England vs South Africa – 1st ODI

Alex Hales’ aggressive fifty: England were off to a disastrous start, losing Jason Roy early but it was the pair of Hales and Joe Root that consolidated for them. Hales, in particular, took on the charge enabling Root to play a sheet-anchor role. Hales pounced on any change that the South African bowlers gave and smacked boundaries at will. He brought up his eight half-century in 52 balls.

He fell for a 60-ball 61 to Andile Phehlukwayo.

Andile Phehlukwayo’s pinchpenny spell: England’s innings was flourishing with the stand between Hales and Root going great guns. Phehlukwayo, playing his first international game in England, rose up to the occasion and dented their ascendance.

Phehlukwayo used his change of pace and control to a good use. From getting Hales to play away from his body on his very first delivery, to inducing Root to a false hook shot, Phehlukwayo brought South Africa back into the reckoning. 

Eoin Morgan’s day out: After quick wickets of Hales and Root, Eoin Morgan took it upon himself to take his team to safety. Lacking form in middle, he took his time earlier running singles and examining the pitch before going all out.  Morgan, in presence of Ben Stokes, got inspired from his partner’s IPL form and launched into the Phehlukwayo and Imran Tahir.

Morgan’s onslaught on Tahir saw him notch up his 33rd ODI half-century. In the process Morgan also become England’s third highest run-scorer in ODIs.

Morgan, along with Moeen Ali, ensured England did not bundle out cheaply. In the process Morgan recorded his 11th ODI ton as well. 

Moeen Ali’s late blitz: With captain Morgan going out all guns blazing at the other end, Moeen took his time get a look in. Once set and battle-ready, Moeen danced his way to a couple of sixes that opened the floodgates for him. After the fall of Morgan, Moeen took the lead and struck a quickfire knock of 77.

His fifty came of just 35 balls inclusive of 5 fours and as many sixes.

Hashim Amla’s whirlwind knock: Fresh from hitting two explosive tons for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Amla exploded on the middle. Amla took on Mark Wood, who has recently returned from a long injury layoff.

He did not deter against spin bowling and took the aerial route more often than not. Amla scored his 32nd ODI fifty. Amla finally fell for 76-ball 73.

AB de Villiers’ staunch resilient: After the fall of Amla and du Plessis, all onus lied upon de Villiers to resurrect the South African innings. De Villiers did stand up against a hostile bowling but had to give into the pressure of constant fall of wickets from other end.

De Villiers played out 38 balls for his resilient knock of 45 that included 7 fours.