South Africa win by 5-run and a historic ODI series victory in England after 27 years.
The second ODI between South Africa and England at lord’s was a contest that had everything records, drama and a nail biting finish . In the end south africa held their nerve to edge England by just 5 runs sealing the series 2-0 with one game left.
South Africa Innings – Breetzkee makes History
After being put in to bat, proteas had a shaky start as England’s seamers exploited early movement. Ryan Rickelton made a fluent 35 before edging one behind, while Aiden Markram fell on 49. At 93/3, the South Africa were under pressure.
Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs took charge. The pair put together a 147-run stand, rescuing their side from collapse and laying the platform for a big total.
Matthew Breetzke (85 off 77) was the star, mixing patience with powerful shots. His innings also entered the record books, as he became the first player in ODI history to score fifties in each of his first five matches.
Tristan Stubbs (58 off 62) played a vital supporting role, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
When both departed, England sensed a chance to limit the damage. But South Africa’s young sensation Dewald Brevis had other plans. With an explosive 42 off 20 balls, including four towering sixes, Brevis ensured South Africa finished strongly.
The South Africa ended with a commanding 330/8 in 50 overs, a total that looked challenging yet gettable on a good batting surface.
For England, Jofra Archer was the standout performer. Bowling with pace and aggression, he claimed 4/62, keeping South Africa from running away completely. Adil Rashid also impressed, picking up 2/33 in his 10 overs, controlling the middle stages.
England chase – Root and Butter Fought Hard
Chasing 331, England needed a solid start but lost Jamie Smith for a golden duck. Ben Duckett followed soon after, leaving England reeling at 62/2.
Joe Root, however, showed his class with a composed 61 off 72 balls, holding the innings together. Youngster Jacob Bethell provided energy at the other end with a brisk 58 off 40 striking boundaries at will and keeping England in touch with the required rate.
Their 95 – runs partnership steadied nerves in the dressing room. But when Bethell departed, South Africa struck again.
The chase then relied on Jos Buttler, who played a typically aggressive knock of 61 from 51 balls, full of clever placements and powerful hits. Alongside Will Jacks (39 off 33), Buttler kept England ahead of the asking rate.
But just when England looked favourites, LungiNgidi dismissed Buttler with a slower ball—a breakthrough that shifted momentum back to South Africa.
Final Over Drama
The match came down to the wire. England required 16 runs from the last over with Jofra Archer at the crease. Archer smashed two boundaries to bring the equation down to six off the final delivery.
With the crowd on its feet, proteas bowler held his nerve. Archer went for a big heave but failed to clear the boundary, and England finished at 325/9, just five runs short of the target.
Match Summary
Match England vs South Africa, 2nd ODI
Venue: Lord’s, London
Result: SA won by 5 runs
Series Status :South Africa lead 2–0 (3-match series)
Player of the Match Matthew Breetzke (SA) – 85 runs
Turning Point Buttler’s dismissal in 43rd over shifted momentum to South Africa
South Africa head into the 3rd ODI against England at Southampton on 7 September 2025 with a golden opportunity to secure a 3–0 clean sweep. After winning the opening match at Chester-le-Street and edging a thriller at Lord’s, the Proteas have already sealed the series. Now, the focus will be on finishing strongly, maintaining momentum, and showcasing their young stars. England, meanwhile, will be desperate to salvage pride and prevent a morale-damaging whitewash at home.
