ENG vs SA: South Africa Record Joint Second-Highest ODI Total Without Hitting A Six In Their Innings

South Africa rode on the brilliant century from Rassie van der Dussen and all-round efforts from Aiden Markram — to crush England by 62 runs in the first ODI fixture at Riverside Ground in Chester le-Street on Tuesday (July 19).

After winning the toss on a sluggish surface, South Africa’s stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj opted to bat first. Openers Quinton de Kock (19) and Janeman Malan were right on the song as they rushed to 35 from six overs before the former was castled by Sam Curran. Van der Dussen forged a 111-run stand with Malan to ensure the visitors didn’t lose the momentum of de Kock’s dismissal.

Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram guides South Africa to 333/5 in the 1st ODI against England

Van der Dussen scored more than run-a-ball as both the batters brought up their fifties. England off-spinner Moeen Ali broke the partnership with Malan’s wicket. However, the celebrations were short live for the hosts as Markam joined van der Dussen at the crease and the duo took their innings in a different mode.

Markram hit Liam Livingstone for three boundaries in a single over to kick start his innings, while van der Dussen brought up his third ODI century in 90 balls.

Although the Highveld Lions batter slowed down with his shots, Markram took the charge against Ben Stokes who was playing in his final ODI match. Livingstone dismissed the duo in the 46th over to put an end to a cruising 151-run alliance, which set the tone for a massive total.

South Africa set the second-highest total in ODI cricket without hitting a six

David Miller scored 24 of 14 balls, including four boundaries, to push South Africa to 333/5 in the first innings. Van der Dussen hit 10 boundaries, while Markram hit nine fours. South Africa, in total, hit 18 fours but didn’t manage to clear the fence a single time.

South Africa registered the joint second-highest total in ODI cricket without hitting any sixes. England had scored 333/6 against Australia in Sydney in 2011. Sri Lanka holds the overall record for the highest score without a six, when they scored 345/8 against the West Indies in Hambantota in 2020.

The Proteas eventually won the match after Anrich Nortje (4/53), Aiden Markram (2/25) and Tabraiz Shamsi (2/53) bowled sharply to keep England at bay. Joe Root top-scored for the hosts – 86 in 77 balls – who were shot out at 271 in 46.5 overs.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Jos Buttler Is The Closest To AB de Villiers In Terms Of All-Round Game – Rassie van der Dussen