South Africa registers historic 27-year first with win in second ODI as England's poor run in ODIs continues: All stats

By Admin

05 Sep, 2025

South Africa scripted history on Thursday with a thrilling five-run win against England in the second ODI, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The Temba Bavuma-led side produced a stellar all-round performance, ensuring their first ODI series victory over England since 1998 a gap of 27 years.

South Africa’s Batting Brilliance

Opting to bat first, the Proteas set a formidable total of 330/8 in 50 overs, powered by Matthew Breetzke’s outstanding knock of 85 off 77 balls. His innings carried special significance, as Breetzke became the first batter in ODI history to score five consecutive half-centuries in his first five matches. Contributions from Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis further bolstered South Africa’s total.

England’s Fighting Chase Falls Short

England came agonisingly close in pursuit of the 331-run target, with Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Jos Buttler all notching up half-centuries. Despite their efforts, the Three Lions fell short by just five runs. The narrow defeat marked South Africa’s second closest ODI victory over England, only behind the famous one-run win at Cape Town in 2000.

Bowling Stars for South Africa

With the ball, Nandre Burger turned the match in South Africa’s favour by picking up three crucial wickets. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj once again showed why he is ranked the No. 1 spinner, applying pressure in the middle overs with his tight spell.

England’s ODI Struggles Continue

The loss extended England’s poor run in the 50-over format:

• England have now lost their last four ODIs against South Africa.
  
  

• They have managed just one series win in their last six ODI series since the 2023 World Cup.
  
  

• Their win percentage post-World Cup stands at 31.8%, better only than Bangladesh and Zimbabwe among full-member nations.
  
  

• Their last bilateral ODI series win against South Africa came way back in 2017.
  
  

Temba Bavuma’s Reaction

Speaking at the post-match presentation, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed immense pride in his team’s performance:
“Very proud. Brought some pride and enjoyment to the people back home, and also the ones who came in here enjoyed a good game. Matthew Breetzke, continuing his good run and well supported by Stubbs, and young Brevis doing what he does,” Bavuma said.

He also credited Keshav Maharaj for his vital role and admitted that South Africa’s depth is being tested due to injuries, but promised to field their best XI in the final ODI at Southampton.

What’s Next?

The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday, September 7, in Southampton. With the series already sealed, South Africa will be aiming for a clean sweep, while England will desperately look for a consolation win to salvage pride.