South Africa edge past England in five-over contest
Wet conditions compelled umpires to reduce the game to a nine-over contest initially, before more rain shortened the match to the minimum of 30 deliveries.
New Delhi: South Africa notched up a 14-run win over England in the first T20I of three-match series that was reduced to a five-over contest in a rain-marred day in Cardiff.
Wet conditions compelled umpires to reduce the game to a nine-over contest initially, before more rain shortened the match to the minimum of 30 deliveries.
South Africa reached 97 for five in 7.5 overs, England were set a revised target of 69 and they could only reach 54 for 5 in five overs.
Marco Jansen marked his return from injury to take two wickets as only keeper-batter Jos Buttler found any rhythm while England chased the target at Sophia Gardens.
Buttler top-scored for England with 25 25 from 11 deliveries before becoming the secind wicket of left-armer Jansen, whose 2/18 in two over shaped up South Africa's win.
England had invited the visitors in to bat, paving the way for Donovan Ferreira unbeaten knock of 25 from 11 balls, Aiden Markram's 28 from 14 balls and Dewald Brevis (23 from 10 balls) to make useful contributions.
Seamer Luke Wood claimed 2-22 in his two overs, while the returning Sam Curran bagged 1-11 in one over.
The second match in the three-game series will be played in Manchester on Friday.
'Madness'
Speaking after their win, SA captain Aiden Markram said: "Happy with the guys who got a good score and then with the bowlers they executed well to our plans. It can feel like madness in a shortened game like this but you need one or two guys to have good cameos, and we had that with Brev and Donovan."
England skipper Harry Brook said: "Can't read too much on it, it was very wet and we couldn't really get going. (On the game going ahead) It wasn't up to us, it was a decision above me.
Donovan Ferreira was named the player of the match. He said, "wasn't thinking too much of the boundary sizes, was about keeping good positions and hitting straight. This is a good series to express myself and showcase what I can do. The management have given me the confidence to play freely."