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

A delayed begin noticed the match lowered to 9 overs per aspect, and the Proteas blitzed 97-5 in 7.5 overs earlier than one other rain disruption.

England’s goal was revised to 69 in 5 overs and with little alternative however to assault from the outset, they reached 43-5 needing 26 from 5 balls.

From there, the recalled Sam Curran whacked a six to supply the hosts a glimmer of hope, however the vacationers ultimately closed out a cushty win as England completed on 54-5 with two wickets apiece for Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen.

Jos Buttler had saved England alive with 25 from 11, together with three sixes, however they have been left to rue top-order wickets as Phil Salt was caught at nice leg from the primary ball of the chase, Jacob Bethell chipped to cowl for seven and captain Harry Brook made a chaotic four-ball duck.

Earlier, Jofra Archer was changed by Luke Wooden in a late change, and the seamer eliminated Ryan Rickelton within the first over earlier than captain Aiden Markram led the cost with 28 from 14 balls.

Dewald Brevis, who turned the SA20’s costliest participant in Tuesday’s public sale, made an entertaining 23 from 10 balls earlier than he fell to the recalled Curran’s first ball whereas Donovan Ferreira completed unbeaten with 25 from 11.

The three-match collection continues at Outdated Trafford on Friday, the place rain can be forecast.