South Africa beat England by 14 runs in a rain-affected first T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on September 10, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match came just a day after the record-breaking SA20 2025-26 auction, which added extra spotlight on several South African stars.
England were chasing a revised target of 69 runs in just five overs after heavy rain cut short South Africa’s innings. Jos Buttler gave the home side a quick start with 25 from 11 balls, but regular wickets meant England finished on 54-5. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2-18, while Corbin Bosch also struck twice to keep the chase under control.
Dewald Brevis shines in Cardiff
Earlier, South Africa were sent in to bat and managed 97-5 in 7.5 overs before rain stopped play. Captain Aiden Markram smashed 28 from 14, while Donovan Ferreira, who later won Player of the Match, hit an unbeaten 25 from 11 deliveries to push the total close to the 100-run mark.
The innings also featured a lively knock from Dewald Brevis, who had grabbed headlines on September 9 when he became the most expensive buy in SA20 history. The 22-year-old was bought by Pretoria Capitals for a staggering R16.5 million, after a fierce bidding war that included Joburg Super Kings.
The price underlined his rising status in world cricket, and in Cardiff he justified the hype with a blazing 23 from 10 balls, including three sixes. His strike rate of 230 kept South Africa’s run rate soaring at a crucial stage.
England looked favourites when Buttler was going strong, but his dismissal in the fourth over left the chase in tatters. The pressure of scoring nearly 14 runs per over eventually proved too much, and South Africa’s bowlers held their nerve to seal a narrow but important win.
Brief Scores
South Africa: 97/5 in 7.5 overs. Aiden Markram 28, Donovan Ferreira 25*, Dewald Brevis 23; Luke Wood 2/22, Sam Curran 1/11
England: 54/5 in 5 overs. Jos Buttler 25, Sam Curran 10*; Marco Jansen 2/18, Corbin Bosch 2/20
Result: South Africa beat England by 14 runs (DLS).
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