South Africa Beats England by Seven Wickets in Opening ODI at Headingley

England suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in the first ODI at Headingley, with the hosts being bowled out for just 131 runs in 24.3 overs. Captain Harry Brook was run out for 12—the first time an England captain has been run out in an ODI at Headingley—triggering a significant batting collapse that saw seven wickets fall for 29 runs. South Africa's Aiden Markram led the chase with 86 runs, while spinner Keshav Maharaj and seamer Wiaan Mulder exploited England’s weaknesses, taking 4-22 and 3-33 respectively. Debutant bowler Sonny Baker endured a harsh introduction to international cricket, conceding 76 runs in seven overs, the most expensive figures by an England bowler on ODI debut. The match highlighted England’s struggles in the white-ball format since Harry Brook took over captaincy, despite earlier successes against the West Indies. South Africa, bolstered by their recent World Test Championship victory at Lord's, now have a chance to seal the series with a win in the second ODI at Lord's.