South Africa A crush England Lions at Leicester

Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman claim three wickets as the tourists, who won the four-day series 2-0, cruise to a nine-wicket victory at Grace Road

ECB Reporters Network | 05/06/2026 at 15:21

Grace Road: England Lions 119, South Africa A 120-1 - South Africa A won by nine wickets

England Lions suffered a nine-wicket defeat in their opening 50-over match against South Africa A at Uptonsteel Grace Road in Leicester.

The Lions were bowled out for 119 before the tourists reached the target in 19.3 overs.

James Coles was one of only three Lions batters to reach double figures against a touring attack that have all been capped at international level.

Coles was the last man out when attempting to clear the rope on 42 after skipper Jordan Cox had hit a breezy 20 from eight balls on his return from the Indian Premier League.

Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman claimed three wickets apiece for South Africa A, who were in control once the Lions were reduced to 50 for four inside the first nine overs.

James Rew, who joined the Lions from the Test squad, played onto his stumps from Coetzee for six before Ben McKinney was caught behind, aiming to swipe at Kwena Maphaka.

Asa Tribe, who had helped Glamorgan to a T20 Blast win over Somerset in Taunton the night before, then helped a Maphaka short ball to third man before Cox was given out caught behind to a good ball from Coetzee. Rehan Ahmed, also drafted in from the Test squad, edged Baartman to second slip after he had made five.

The highest partnership of the innings was reserved for Sussex duo Coles and Henry Crocombe as they added 31 for the ninth wicket.

Crocombe then claimed the only wicket of South Africa's chase, bowling left-hander Tony de Zorzi between bat and pad from around the wicket. Opener Rubin Hermann remained unbeaten on 57 with his captain Marques Ackerman on 34.

The 50-over series resumes on Sunday (June 7), with the remaining two games to be played at New Road in Worcester. South Africa A won the two-match four-day series 2-0.