London, 4 September 2025 – South Africa clinched their first bilateral ODI series victory on English soil since 1998 with a nail-biting five-run triumph over England at Lord’s, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Matthew Breetzke was the star once again, extending his record-breaking start to ODI cricket with a composed 85 off 77 balls. His fifth successive half-century in the format anchored the Proteas’ imposing 330/8 before a disciplined bowling display, capped by Nandre Burger’s three wickets and Senuran Muthusamy’s nerveless final over, saw England fall just short at 325/9.
Breetzke and Stubbs Build the Platform
After being sent in by England captain Harry Brook on a damp morning, South Africa’s top order made steady progress. Ryan Rickelton (35 off 33) provided early impetus, while Aiden Markram (49) fell agonisingly short of a half-century after looking well set.
Breetzke, returning from injury, combined fluency with composure to steer the innings. His 147-run fourth-wicket stand with Tristan Stubbs (58) shifted momentum firmly South Africa’s way. When Dewald Brevis entered the fray, he added a whirlwind 42 off just 20 balls, punishing England’s part-time spin duo of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks.
Corbin Bosch added a crucial unbeaten 32 down the order, ensuring the Proteas reached a formidable total – only four runs shy of the ground record.
England Fight but Fall Short
England’s reply began disastrously as Burger removed Jamie Smith with the first ball of the innings. Ben Duckett’s lean run continued when he fell for 14, leaving Joe Root to rebuild. The former captain responded with a classy 61, and alongside Bethell (58 off 40), threatened to wrestle the game back.
But Keshav Maharaj, so pivotal in the opening ODI, struck again – dismissing Root stumped for the first time in his ODI career. Bethell’s dismissal shortly after, slicing Bosch to cover, swung momentum back to the visitors.
Jos Buttler (61 off 51) kept England in contention with audacious strokeplay, including a remarkable reverse-sweep six, but Lungi Ngidi’s slower ball ended his stay at a critical juncture. Burger returned late to remove Jacks (39) and Brydon Carse in the same over, leaving England with too much to do despite Jofra Archer’s late cameo of 27 not out from 14 balls.
Needing 16 off the final over, Archer could manage only singles against Muthusamy’s calm left-arm spin, sealing South Africa’s victory with a ball to spare.
Series Secured, History Made
The result gave South Africa a 2–0 lead with one match to play at Southampton on Sunday, marking their first ODI series win in England in 27 years.
Player of the Match Breetzke described the occasion as “a dream come true at the Home of Cricket,” while skipper Temba Bavuma praised his side’s balance across bat and ball.
For England, it was their eighth defeat in 11 ODIs this year, underlining ongoing concerns ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy. Captain Harry Brook admitted: “We got close, but chasing over 330 always leaves you needing something extraordinary.”
Series Summary So Far
- 1st ODI, Leeds – South Africa won by 7 wickets after dismissing England for 131.
- 2nd ODI, Lord’s – South Africa won by 5 runs in a high-scoring thriller, sealing the series 2–0.
With confidence high and momentum firmly theirs, South Africa head to Southampton eyeing a clean sweep – while England search desperately for answers.
