England fell to a 14-run defeat to South Africa in a farcically short first T20I against South Africa ravaged by rain in Cardiff.
Persistent downpours delayed the start of the game by two hours and 20 minutes, leaving only a nine-overs-a-side contest possible.
Aiden Markram (28 off 14 balls) and Donovan Ferreira (25 not out off 11) powered South Africa to 97-5 in 7.5 overs before another deluge brought their innings to a premature halt.
England were set a revised target of 69 from five overs, but their chase never ignited after Phil Salt fell to the first ball.
Jacob Bethell managed seven, while captain Harry Brook departed for a duck as England slumped to 28-3 inside three overs.
The quickfire dismissals of Jos Buttler and Tom Banton in successive deliveries sealed England’s fate as they finished 14 runs short of victory on 54-5 after five overs.
More to follow.
England vs South Africa – results and fixtures
All games live on Sky Sports, all times UK and Ireland 🕰️
First T20: South Africa won by 14 runs 🟢Second T20: Friday September 12 (6.30pm) – Emirates Old TraffordThird T20: Sunday September 14 (2.30pm) – Trent Bridge
