England lost the first of three ODIs against South Africa by 27 runs at the Mangaung Oval on Friday, despite a vintage century from Jason Roy. The visitors were bowled out for 271, having at one stage been well placed at 146 without loss.
Sam Curran took three for 35 as England restricted South Africa to 298 for seven on a two-paced pitch. Roy and Dawid Malan added 146 for the first wicket, but the loss of three wickets for six runs in two overs triggered a collapse. Anrich Nortje took four for 62 and Sisanda Magala three for 46.
Roy scored 113 from 91 balls, his first ODI century in 15 months, but was dismissed pulling to deep square leg. England captain Jos Buttler said: 'It was a game we should have won but these things happen in international cricket. Jason was exceptional.'
South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen made a workmanlike century, reaching 50 from 63 balls and his second 50 from 57. Jofra Archer struggled, conceding 81 runs from his ten overs, the most expensive figures of his career.
The second ODI takes place at the same venue on Sunday, with the series concluding in Kimberley on Wednesday.
