England vs South Africa: Tourists win rain-affected opening T20 in Cardiff

England suffered a 14-run defeat by South Africa in a farcical rain-affected opening T20 at Cardiff.

A delayed start saw the match reduced to nine overs per side, and the Proteas blitzed 97-5 in 7.5 overs before another rain disruption.

England’s target was revised to 69 in five overs, and with little choice but to attack from the outset, they reached 43-5 needing 26 from five balls.

From there, the recalled Sam Curran whacked a six to offer the hosts a glimmer of hope, but the tourists eventually closed out a comfortable win as England finished on 54-5 with two wickets apiece for Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen.

Jos Buttler had kept England alive with 25 from 11, including three sixes, but they were left to rue top-order wickets as Phil Salt was caught at fine leg from the first ball of the chase, Jacob Bethell chipped to cover for seven and captain Harry Brook made a chaotic four-ball duck.

Earlier, Jofra Archer was replaced by Luke Wood in a late change, and the seamer removed Ryan Rickelton in the first over before captain Aiden Markram led the charge with 28 from 14 balls.

Dewald Brevis, who became the SA20’s most expensive player in Tuesday’s auction, made an entertaining 23 from 10 balls before he fell to the recalled Curran’s first ball while Donovan Ferreira finished unbeaten with 25 from 11.

The three-match series continues at Old Trafford on Friday, where rain is also forecast.