Keshav Maharaj lauds execution as Proteas humiliate England

South Africa ripped their hosts apart at Headingley, bowling them out for a humiliating 131 in just under 25 overs.

They then put on a solid batting display as openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton got to within touching distance of the win, only for them to lose three wickets at the death.

It was still a convincing seven-wicket win, and Maharaj says their application was exactly how they planned.

"I think the plans have been really good but I think the way in which we execute our plans has been that much more encouraging. The guys have been putting a lot of work, not just in this series now prior to the series but obviously prior to Australia, there's been some good camps that have been implemented,” Maharaj said.

“Working with a bowling coach, it's things like that, you know it's simple plans but it's nice to see that this sort of mindset change towards it has come together as a bowling unit."

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Maharaj starred with the ball yet again returning impressive figures of 4/22, just one shy of the second five-for of his ODI career in under a month. 

He also says they’ll be looking to up their game ahead of the second match at Lord’s on Thursday, the scene of their most celebrated win in recent memory.

"Yeah I think we used a little bit of a breeze that was to my advantage but I think kudos must go to the fast bowlers and the way they opened up the England batting lineup towards the top order and obviously the runout was a bit of a momentum shift at the time,” he added. 

“Every game is a new start, so it's for us as well as England to go back to the drawing board and see the areas where we can improve. Then obviously there will be a good game of cricket at Lord's, come Thursday."