Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

South Africa A opened their 50-over series against England Lions with a commanding nine-wicket win at Grace Road in Leicester, bowling the hosts out for 119 before chasing the target in 19.3 overs.

Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman took three wickets each as the tourists kept control from the moment England Lions slipped to 50 for 4 inside nine overs.

For more cricket news, read West Indies vs Sri Lanka: Hosts Chase Series Leveller In Second ODI.

England Lions Collapse Under Pace Pressure

England Lions struggled against a South Africa A attack made up of internationally capped bowlers. James Coles was the last man out for 42, while captain Jordan Cox made a quick 20 from eight balls on his return from the Indian Premier League.

James Rew, who had joined from the Test squad, played on to Coetzee for six. Ben McKinney was caught behind off Kwena Maphaka, and Asa Tribe steered a Maphaka short ball to deep third man.

Cox was also given out caught behind to Coetzee, before Rehan Ahmed edged Baartman to second slip for five. Coles and Henry Crocombe later put on 31 for the ninth wicket, the best stand of the innings.

Hermann Guides South Africa A Home

South Africa A made light work of the chase despite Crocombe bowling Tony de Zorzi between bat and pad. Rubin Hermann finished unbeaten on 57, with captain Marques Ackerman not out on 34.

The result followed South Africa A’s 2-0 win in the two-match four-day series and gave them another strong start on English soil.

The 50-over series continues on Sunday, with the final two matches to be played at New Road in Worcester. Official England Lions updates are available through the England and Wales Cricket Board.