South Africa pulled off a thrilling 27-run win over England in the first ODI in Bloemfontein on Friday. Chasing 299, England looked to be cruising, but a flurry of wickets saw them finish on 271 in 44.2 overs.

Jason Roy found form and hit a magnificent 113 off 91 and put on 146 with Dawid Malan (59) in an opening stand.

However, they stumbled once Roy departed with Anrich Nortje (4/62) and Sisanda Magala (3/46) leading the South Africa fightback.

Jofra Archer, returning to the team after nearly two years following stress fractures, struggled to find rhythm and ended up giving 81 runs from his 10 overs with one wicket.

Earlier, Rassie van der Dussen’s 111 from 117 deliveries helped South Africa set a challenging target. This was Van der Dussen’s fourth hundred in the format, and second against Jos Buttler’s team.

That innings, along with David Miller’s 53 at the back end — the pair putting on 110 in a fifth-wicket partnership — gave them something to defend on a pitch which looked comfortable to bat on.

“Disappointed, I think we played some excellent cricket for the majority of the game,” said England captain Buttler.

Brief scores: South Africa 298/7 in 50 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 111, David Miller 53; Sam Curran 3/35). England 271 in 44.2 overs (Jason Roy 113, Dawid Malan 59, Jos Buttler 36; Anrich Nortje 4/62, Sisanda Magala 3/46). South Africa won by 27 runs.