England lose shortened T20 thrash against South Africa in rain-affected opener

South Africa 97-5; England 54-5; South Africa win by 14 runs (DLS)

Reduced to nine-over contest before being cut to five-over chase

It was mildly absurd in one sense, a day of rain showers in Cardiff turning the first T20 international between England and South Africa into a shortened thrash that did not get underway until 8.50pm.

But the hardy spectators who stuck around were at least rewarded for their patience with something resembling a match; a bit of fun, really, albeit one that now sees the tourists go into Friday’s second outing at Old Trafford with a 1-0 lead in this three-match end-of-summer series.