South Africa edged out England by 5 runs in a nail-biting 2nd ODI on September 4, 2025, at Lord’s, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking 85, the highest by a South African at Lord’s, powered South Africa to 330-8. England fought back with 325-9, but fell short despite Jofra Archer’s late heroics.
This victory marks South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998, thrilling cricket fans across Europe and the UK as of 1:06 PM IST, Friday, September 5, 2025.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
South Africa batted first after England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to field.
Aiden Markram (49) and Ryan Rickelton (35) started strongly with a 73-run opening stand, but Adil Rashid’s double strike reduced them to 93-3.
Breetzke, returning from a hamstring injury, teamed up with Tristan Stubbs (58) for a crucial 147-run partnership.
Dewald Brevis then smashed 42 off 20, pushing the total to 330-8. Jofra Archer took 4-62, while Rashid impressed with 2-33.
England’s chase showed fight, with Joe Root (61), Jacob Bethell (58), and Jos Buttler (61) hitting half-centuries.
However, they lost momentum after key wickets fell.
Archer’s unbeaten 27 off 14, including two sixes, brought the target to 16 runs off the last over, but Senuran Muthusamy defended it brilliantly.
Nandre Burger’s 3-63 proved decisive for South Africa.
Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Performance
Breetzke, 26, became the first player to score 50+ in his first five ODI innings, amassing 463 runs.
His 85 off 77 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, earned him Player of the Match.
Inspired by his time with Northamptonshire, Breetzke said, “We read the conditions and built partnerships.”
His knock outshone Stubbs and Brevis, cementing his rising star status in ODI cricket.
Captains’ Reactions
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma praised his team: “Very proud. Breetzke’s run and Stubbs’ support, plus Brevis’ finishing, were key.
Keshav Maharaj showed why he’s number one.” England’s Brook refused to blame fatigue: “We’re good enough to adapt.
Getting within one blow of 331 is a good effort.”
Series Context and Stats
This loss marks England’s eighth defeat in 11 ODIs in 2025, with a win percentage of 31.8 since the 2023 World Cup—lower than only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe among full members.
South Africa’s series win ends a 27-year drought in England, boosting their 2027 World Cup hopes.
The third ODI looms on September 7 in Southampton.
Fan Reactions on X
Cricket fans on X buzz with excitement. One posted, “Breetzke’s 85 and that last-over thriller—South Africa owns England!”
Another cheered, “What a series win for SA at Lord’s—Breetzke is unreal!”
What’s Next?
England seeks a consolation win in Southampton, while South Africa aims for a clean sweep.
The match promises more drama in this exciting series.
Stay tuned for updates!