It's the Markram and Maharaj show as Proteas demolish England in ODI series opener

This has been Keshav Maharaj's winter. A World Test Championship medal, backed up with his coronation as South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year, then honoured with the Proteas Test captaincy followed by his ascent to the lofty perch as the No 1-ranked ODI bowler in the world.

The first match of the one-day series against England on Tuesday was simply an extension of the most storied period of Maharaj's career. After picking up his maiden ODI five-for on the recent Australian tour, the crafty left-arm spinner added another brilliant 4/22 in just 5.3 overs here at Headingley in Leeds.

Along with Wiaan Mulder’s equally impressive 3/33, England were routed for just 131, with the tourists knocking off the target in a mere 20.5 overs to complete a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. 

"A really good wicket, a little in it and our bowlers utilised it," Maharaj said.

"Good to see our guys put their plans to fruition today. I've looked at the best in the world and made minor changes to my game. It's good to see it pay off.

"We're in a wonderful place, still in transition, but players are putting their hands up in every game."

The Proteas’ run-chase seemed like they had a train to catch back to London for Thursday’s second ODI at Lord’s - the venerable home of their WTC final triumph a couple of months ago - such was its haste before Yorkshire's hometown hero Adil Rashid's late wickets gave the Western Terrace something to cheer about.

Spearheading the Proteas' charge was Aiden Markram (86, 55b 13x4 2x6). Fresh from his memories of his last innings in England - the heroic 136 in that WTC Final - Markram played like the dynamic white-ball batter his coach Shukri Conrad keeps reminding the sceptics that he is.

Markram drove powerfully through the covers - often off a good length too - and flicked the ball effortlessly off his legs. The embodiment of Markram’s power was best illustrated with a front-foot drive that sailed over third man for six. His eventual dismissal to a wonderful catch by Jamie Smith off Adil Rashid was almost against the run of play.

Ryan Rickelton was content to play the anchor role, with the opener finishing unbeaten on 31 not out (59 balls, 4x4) after captain Temba Bavuma (6) and Tristan Stubbs (0) fell to Rashid off successive balls with the scores tied.

The Proteas' task was made easier due to opportunities presented on a silver platter by the luckless debutant Sonny Baker. The 22-year-old would have dreamt of this day for a long time, being handed his first international cap with his parents watching in the stands, but could never have predicted such a chastening experience.

A first-ball duck, clean bowled by Maharaj, was followed by a mauling from Markram with Baker’s opening four-over spell leaking 56 runs.

To England captain Harry Brook’s credit, he went back to Baker (0/76) later on in a bid to restore some of the young fast bowler’s battered confidence. 

But the nature of the shellacking would no doubt have rekindled England coach Brendon McCullum’s memories of a similar day at the 2015 World Cup at Wellington’s Cake Tin when he was the one whirling his blade for the Black Caps inflicting the pain on the team, he now coaches. 

McCullum will then be the best man to help lift England out of this desperate hole ahead of the second contest in a couple of days' time, while Conrad will simply want more of the same from his team in a bid to complete successive one-day series triumphs away from home.

First ODI, Headingley

England: 131 all out (Smith 52, Maharaj 4/22, Mulder 3/33)

South Africa: (Markram 86, Rickelton 31*, Rashid 3/26, Baker 0/76)

South Africa won by 7 wickets, lead the series 1-0