Horror Debut for Pacer– Leaks Most Runs Ever in Team’s ODI History, Breaks Unwanted Record
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): England’s ODI series against South Africa got off to a disastrous start as debutant pacer Sonny Baker endured a horror outing in Leeds. Making his debut, Baker leaked a staggering 76 runs in just 7 overs at an economy of 10.90 – the most runs conceded by an England bowler on ODI debut. He failed to take a single wicket.
Before Baker, the unwanted record belonged to Liam Dawson, who gave away 70 runs against Pakistan in 2016. Behind him were David Lawrence (67 runs vs West Indies, 1991) and George Scrimshaw (66 runs vs Ireland, 2023).
England’s batting performance was equally forgettable. Put in to bat, they crumbled to 131 all out in 24.3 overs. Ben Duckett (5) fell early at 13, and Joe Root managed only 14 before departing. The only resistance came from opener Jamie Smith, who smashed 54 runs off 48 balls with 10 boundaries. However, his knock could not save England from humiliation.
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj was the star with the ball, scalping four wickets, while Wiaan Mulder claimed three.
In reply, South Africa chased down the target with ease in just 20.5 overs. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton stitched a commanding 121-run partnership for the first wicket. Markram hammered a blazing 86 off 55 balls, studded with 13 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed. Rickelton remained unbeaten on 31 to take his side over the line. With this emphatic nine-wicket victory, South Africa lead the series 1-0, piling pressure on England ahead of the second ODI in London on September 4.