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England suffered a 14-run defeat by South Africa in a farcical rain-affected opening T20 at Cardiff. <\/b><\/p>\n
A delayed start meant the match was reduced to nine overs per side, and the Proteas blitzed 97-5 in 7.5 overs before another rain disruption. <\/p>\n
England’s target was revised to 69 in five overs and with little choice but to attack from the outset, they reached 43-5 needing 26 from five balls. <\/p>\n
From there, the recalled Sam Curran whacked a six to offer the hosts a glimmer of hope, but the tourists eventually closed out a comfortable win as England finished on 54-5 with two wickets apiece for Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen. <\/p>\n
Jos Buttler had kept England alive with 25 from 11, including three sixes, but they were left to rue top-order wickets as Phil Salt was caught at fine leg from the first ball of the chase, Jacob Bethell chipped to cover for seven and captain Harry Brook made a chaotic four-ball duck. <\/p>\n
Earlier, Jofra Archer was replaced by Luke Wood in a late change, and the seamer removed Ryan Rickelton in the first over before captain Aiden Markram led the charge with 28 from 14 balls.<\/p>\n