SA vs ENG (2nd ODI) – Highlights
In a contest that will be remembered as one of the closest ODIs at Lord’s in recent years, SA managed to hold their nerve and defeat ENG by just five runs in the second ODI of the ongoing series. The game had everything a fan could ask for—quality batting, disciplined bowling, and heart-stopping drama right until the final over.
SA top order fired as they posted a hefty 330 for eight in 50 overs. The visitors got off to a steady start with Ryan Rickelton scoring 35 runs at a brisk pace before falling to Jofra Archer. Aiden Markram looked set for a bigger score but was dismissed for 49 just short of his half-century. The star of the innings was Matthew Breetzke, who played a sparkling knock of 85 off 77 balls, mixing composure with aggression. His stroke-making against pace and spin alike allowed South Africa to maintain momentum in the middle overs. Tristan Stubbs added 58, and Dewald Brevis provided fireworks with a quickfire 42 from only 20 balls, blasting three sixes to push the score beyond 300. Corbin Bosch chipped in with an unbeaten 32 to ensure South Africa crossed the 330 mark.
Archer spearheaded the English bowling effort with 4 for 62 off 10 .Adil Rashid’s clever variations brought him two important breakthroughs, while Jacob Bethell picked up one scalp, but it was costly. Despite Archer’s brilliance, the overall bowling effort lacked the control needed to restrict South Africa on a flat batting surface.
The pursuit of 331 got off to a rocky start as Jamie Smith fell without scoring in the first over. Ben Duckett struggled for fluency, consuming 33 balls for his 14 before being bowled by Keshav Maharaj. Joe Root steadied the innings with a classical 61, supported by Jacob Bethell, who played an aggressive knock of 58 from just 40 balls. The left-hander’s counterattack gave England belief as the asking rate climbed.
The middle order chipped in with valuable contributions. Brook’s 33 was steady, while Buttler’s 61 off 51 came with his trademark aggression. Will Jacks added a breezy 39, but England suffered regular dismissals just when partnerships were building. At 288 for seven, the game looked all but gone, but Archer returned with the bat to smash a quick 27 from 14 balls, keeping the home fans on their feet. The equation came down to 18 needed off the last over, but Burger and Bosch held their composure, restricting England to 325 for nine.
South Africa’s bowling effort was led by Nandre Burger, who claimed three wickets in pressure moments. Maharaj picked up two crucial scalps in the middle overs, while Bosch and Muthusamy delivered important breakthroughs to keep England’s chase in check. In the end, it was South Africa’s ability to deliver under pressure that secured a narrow but significant win, handing them a 2-0 lead in the series.
Matthew Breetzke was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings, which laid the platform for South Africa’s victory.
South Africa vs England Scoreboard
South Africa – 330/8 (50)
England – 325/9 (50)
Result – South Africa won by 5 runs
Player of the Match – Matthew Breetzke
Matthew Breetzke
SA vs ENG Playing XIs
South Africa | Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi |
England | Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood |
