Buttler celebrates after scoring his fourth ODI century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Jos Buttler smashed a breathtaking century as England defeated South Africa by 39 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the first ODI in Bloemfontein.

Buttler was well supported by Alex Hales, Joe Root and Ben Stokes as all three of them scored half-centuries.

However, South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock deserves a lot of credit as he made a valiant 138 not out.

England captain Eoin Morgan would have been pleased with his decision to bat first as opening batsman Jason Roy set the tone with his blistering knock of 48 before Hales took over and smashed 57 off 47 balls, which included six boundaries and two sixes.

Root then proceeded to make 52 off 58 deliveries, which included four boundaries and a six before he was clean bowled by Chris Morris.

Despite losing Morgan for 23, England continued to take the attack to the Proteas as Buttler upped the ante and went on to score 105 off 76 balls, which included 11 boundaries and five sixes.

However, even though South Africa removed Buttler, it did not spell the end of their woes as Stokes went berserk towards the end of the innings and blasted 57 off 38 deliveries, which included four boundaries and three sixes. As a result, England ended up making 399/9 off their 50 overs.

Morris was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Marchant de Lange and Imran Tahir snapped up two wickets apiece. Morne Morkel and Farhaan Behardien chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing a mammoth total of 400 to win, South Africa lost Hashim Amla early on before de Kock and Faf du Plessis stabilised the innings with a 110-run partnership.

Moeen Ali provided the breakthrough for England by dismissing du Plessis for 55 off 44 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six.

De Kock continued to fight despite even though skipper AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Rilee Rossouw were dismissed along the way. However, his career-best knock of 138 not out, which came off 96 deliveries and included 12 boundaries and six sixes, went in vain when the heavens parted as the Proteas ended up losing the match via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

De Kock’s ninth ODI century came in a losing effort

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Ali was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while David Willey and Reece Topley claimed one wicket each.

De Kock edged out Buttler was the Man of the Match award.