South Africa vice-captain Aiden Markram put on a batting show at Headingley, Leeds, hitting a 23-ball half-century to drive his side to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over England in the first ODI of the three-match series. His aggressive stroke play put everyone on notice and changed the complexion of what ultimately became one of South Africa's most convincing high chases in recent history. Pursuing a modest 132, South Africa ran through the 50-run barrier in only six overs, achieving one of their quickest fifty scores in the history of ODIs. Leading the charge was Markram, who attacked England's bowlers mercilessly, especially debutant pacer Sonny Baker. From the first over itself, he made his presence felt with three boundaries before complementing those with two mammoth sixes and a sharp four in the second over, shutting up the home crowd. Fastest Team 50s for South Africa in ODIs Overs Against Year Venue 4.2 overs Sri Lanka 2018 Pallekele 5.2 overs Zimbabwe 2010 Benoni 5.2 overs England 2025* Leeds (Headingley) 5.3 overs Australia 2007 Johannesburg Also Read | Watch: Farooqi Pushes Markram in Heated On-Field Clash Markram Hammers Quickest Fifty for SA vs ENG in ODIs Markram's scorching half-century came off just 23 balls, breaking the record books as the quickest ODI fifty by a South African against England. He broke Chris Morris' 30-ball feat in Johannesburg in 2016. His dashing innings, filled with boundaries square and round the field, left England's attack in merciless pressure. By the time he registered his fifty in the seventh over, South Africa were already in the game with their hands firmly around it. Balls Faced Player Venue Year 23 Aiden Markram Leeds 2025* 30 Chris Morris Johannesburg 2016 33 David Miller Bloemfontein 2023 Markram established a dominant opening partnership with Ryan Rickelton, their stand becoming South Africa's first 100-plus opening partnership against England in ODIs since 2016 when Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock accumulated 239 in Centurion. The vice-captain was finally dismissed for a breathtaking 86 off 55 balls by Adil Rashid, who took all three South African wickets. Rickelton (31*) and Dewald Brevis (6*) took the visitors home with 187 balls to spare, completing one of South Africa's most dominant ODI victories on English soil. Earlier, South Africa's bowlers had set the ideal foundation. Choosing to bowl, they bowled out England for a mere 131 in 25 overs. Keshav Maharaj's four-wicket inning triggered the onslaught, assisted by three from Wiaan Mulder, one each from Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi. The batting troubles for England persisted as six batterswere out for single figures. Jamie Smith's fighting 54 was the only resistance in what was their fourth lowest ODI total against South Africa and second lowest at Headingley. With a 1-0 lead and plenty of momentum from their recent series win over Australia, South Africa look well-placed to push for another overseas triumph.