Introduction: A Cricket Epic Unfolds at the Home of Cricket
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s turned into one of the most unforgettable cricket battles of the year. Imagine the tension at Lord’s, the iconic venue buzzing with anticipation, as South Africa defended 330 against a star-studded England side. The match went down to the very last ball, with Jofra Archer needing a six for a Super Over, only to edge it for a single. South Africa won by just 5 runs, sealing a 2-0 series lead and their first bilateral ODI series triumph in England since 1998.
This victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It highlighted South Africa’s resilience after early setbacks and England’s ongoing struggles in 50-over cricket. Matthew Breetzke, the young star, stole the show with his record-breaking form, while England’s middle order fought hard but couldn’t quite cross the line. For cricket fans, this game reminded us why ODIs are thrilling – full of twists, partnerships, and nail-biting finishes.
Why does this matter? South Africa, often underdogs in away series, proved their mettle against the 2019 World Champions. England’s loss extends their poor run, with only 7 wins in 22 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup. As we break it down, you’ll see how strategy, individual brilliance, and a bit of luck shaped this historic clash. Have you ever witnessed a closer ODI finish? Stick around as we relive every key moment.
The series started with South Africa dominating the first ODI at Headingley, winning by a massive margin. But at Lord’s on September 4, 2025, England fought back fiercely. Delayed by showers, the game under floodlights added drama. Temba Bavuma’s team posted a challenging total, thanks to smart batting, while England’s chase showcased their depth but exposed bowling weaknesses.
In this detailed recap, we’ll cover the toss, innings breakdowns, standout performances, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard Proteas supporter or an England fan hoping for a comeback in Southampton, this article has it all. Let’s dive in – and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Match Overview: A Historic Clash at the Home of Cricket
Toss and Team News
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl first, eyeing early seam movement after morning rain delayed the start by 15 minutes. The pitch at Lord’s offered something for bowlers initially but flattened out, making 330 a par score. South Africa made no changes, sticking with their winning XI from Leeds. England brought in Saqib Mahmood for Sonny Baker, hoping for extra pace.
Venue and Conditions
Lord’s, London – known as the Home of Cricket – hosted this thriller on September 4, 2025. The weather was overcast early, aiding swing, but cleared up for a full 50-over game. Floodlights came on later, adding to the atmosphere. Umpires Mike Burns and Sharfuddoula officiated, with Nitin Menon as third umpire and Javagal Srinath as referee.
Overall Flow and Result
South Africa posted 330/8, built on Matthew Breetzke’s 85 and Tristan Stubbs’ 58. England replied with 325/9, falling short despite half-centuries from Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Jos Buttler. Nandre Burger’s 3-63 was crucial for South Africa. The win gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead, their first ODI series victory in England in 27 years.
What a game for neutrals! England started poorly but rallied, only to crumble in the death overs. South Africa’s bowlers held nerve, especially in the final over where Senuran Muthusamy defended 15 runs. Watch the highlights below and tell us: Was this the best ODI of 2025 so far?
South Africa’s Batting Masterclass: Building 330/8
Solid Opening Stand
South Africa started cautiously after being inserted. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton added 73 for the first wicket. Markram smashed three boundaries off Jofra Archer, while Rickelton drove elegantly. They reached 50 in the 10th over, setting a platform despite early swing.
Middle-Order Revival
Wickets tumbled quickly – Rickelton and Bavuma caught behind off Archer, Markram caught and bowled by Adil Rashid for 49. At 93/3, South Africa needed stability. Enter Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs. Their 147-run partnership revived the innings. Breetzke, 26, scored 85 off 77, including pulls and sixes off Brydon Carse. Stubbs’ 58 was watchful, targeting part-timers like Will Jacks.
Breetzke made history, becoming the first batter with half-centuries in his first five ODIs. His aggregate now stands at 463 runs. The duo rotated strike well against Rashid’s spin.
Late Acceleration and Key Dismissals
Archer returned to trap Breetzke lbw. Stubbs was run out after a mix-up. Dewald Brevis blasted 42 off 20, with three sixes off Bethell and Carse. Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 32 pushed them to 330/8. Archer’s 4-62 was England’s highlight, but part-timers Bethell and Jacks leaked runs (1-112 combined).
Powerplays were key: 51/0 in the first, 189/4 in the middle, 90/4 in the last. Was Breetzke’s 85 the innings of the match? It certainly laid the foundation for South Africa’s ODI series win England 2025.
Here’s the South Africa scorecard in table form:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 49 | 64 | 6 | 1 | 76.56 |
| Ryan Rickelton (wk) | 35 | 33 | 5 | 0 | 106.06 |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 57.14 |
| Matthew Breetzke | 85 | 77 | 7 | 3 | 110.39 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 58 | 62 | 2 | 1 | 93.55 |
| Dewald Brevis | 42 | 20 | 3 | 3 | 210.00 |
| Corbin Bosch | 32* | 29 | 3 | 0 | 110.34 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 116.67 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Extras | 17 (lb 2, w 15) | ||||
| Total | 330/8 (50 overs, RR: 6.6) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 10 | 0 | 62 | 4 | 6.20 |
| Saqib Mahmood | 10 | 1 | 53 | 0 | 5.30 |
| Brydon Carse | 10 | 0 | 68 | 0 | 6.80 |
| Adil Rashid | 10 | 1 | 33 | 2 | 3.30 |
| Jacob Bethell | 5 | 0 | 61 | 1 | 12.20 |
| Will Jacks | 5 | 0 | 51 | 0 | 10.20 |
Fall of Wickets: 73-1 (13.1), 78-2 (14.4), 93-3 (18.6), 240-4 (39.6), 259-5 (41.5), 297-6 (45.2), 326-7 (49.1), 330-8 (49.6).
England’s Valiant Chase: Falling Short by 5 Runs
Early Setbacks
England’s chase began disastrously. Jamie Smith was caught behind off Nandre Burger’s first ball for 0. Ben Duckett struggled, scoring 14 off 33 before bowled by Keshav Maharaj. At 66/2, pressure mounted.
Middle-Order Fightback
Joe Root (61 off 72) and Jacob Bethell (58 off 40) turned the tide. Bethell, promoted to No. 4, smashed Maharaj for a six and three fours in one over. Their 77-run stand came in 64 balls. Root reached his 43rd ODI fifty, overtaking Eoin Morgan.
Harry Brook (33) and Jos Buttler (61 off 51) added 69, with Buttler reverse-slapping for six – a tribute to his late father. Will Jacks (39) kept hopes alive with Buttler.
Death Overs Drama
Lungi Ngidi bowled Buttler in the 43rd, sparking a collapse. Burger dismissed Jacks and Carse in one over. Needing 41 off 18, Jofra Archer’s 27* off 14 (two sixes) brought it to 7 off the last ball. But he inside-edged Muthusamy for one.
Imagine the heartbreak – so close yet so far. Would you have gone for the big shot on the final delivery?
England scorecard table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Smith | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Ben Duckett | 14 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 42.42 |
| Joe Root | 61 | 72 | 8 | 0 | 84.72 |
| Jacob Bethell | 58 | 40 | 5 | 3 | 145.00 |
| Harry Brook (c) | 33 | 40 | 2 | 1 | 82.50 |
| Jos Buttler (wk) | 61 | 51 | 3 | 3 | 119.61 |
| Will Jacks | 39 | 33 | 1 | 2 | 118.18 |
| Brydon Carse | 7 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 77.78 |
| Jofra Archer | 27* | 14 | 2 | 2 | 192.86 |
| Adil Rashid | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Saqib Mahmood | 2* | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Extras | 21 (b 2, lb 3, w 16) | ||||
| Total | 325/9 (50 overs, RR: 6.5) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandre Burger | 10 | 0 | 63 | 3 | 6.30 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 10 | 0 | 72 | 1 | 7.20 |
| Corbin Bosch | 10 | 1 | 38 | 1 | 3.80 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10 | 0 | 59 | 2 | 5.90 |
| Aiden Markram | 2 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 13.50 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 8 | 0 | 61 | 1 | 7.60 |
Fall of Wickets: 0-1 (0.1), 66-2 (12.5), 143-3 (23.3), 147-4 (24.5), 216-5 (36.3), 256-6 (42.3), 288-7 (46.1), 290-8 (46.5), 313-9 (48.3).
Pivotal Moments That Defined the Thriller
Archer’s Double Strike
Early in South Africa’s innings, Jofra Archer dismissed Rickelton and Bavuma in successive overs. This reduced them to 78/2, shifting momentum. Archer’s pace and movement were unplayable.
Breetzke-Stubbs Partnership
From 93/3, Breetzke and Stubbs added 147. Breetzke’s six off Bethell in the 27th over sparked the revival. This stand ensured South Africa crossed 300.
Final Over Tension
With 15 needed off Muthusamy’s last over, Archer hit two sixes. But the final ball – a good length delivery – was edged. The crowd gasped as South Africa celebrated.
Other key moments: Reviews – England lost one on Markram, South Africa upheld Breetzke’s but lost his lbw. Brevis’ sixes, Buttler’s reverse six, and Burger’s double wicket over.
Timeline of thrills:
- Over 13: Rickelton out, SA 73/1
- Over 27: Breetzke attacks Bethell
- Over 43: Buttler bowled
- Over 50: Archer’s last-ball edge
Which moment had you on the edge of your seat? Comment below!
Heroes and Heartbreaks: Top Player Performances
Player of the Match: Matthew Breetzke
Breetzke’s 85 was masterful. Returning from injury, he paced his innings perfectly, punishing loose balls. “Bit of old-school cricket,” he said post-match. His record half-century streak makes him a rising star.
Bowling Stars: Archer and Burger
Archer’s 4-62 included key wickets, but couldn’t stop the flow. Burger’s 3-63, including the first-ball dismissal, swung the chase. Bosch’s economical 1-38 provided control.
Captains’ Corner
Temba Bavuma praised the team: “Very proud… Bosch gave us control.” Harry Brook noted: “They got 10-15 too many… Great effort.” Bavuma’s tactics, like using spinners, outshone Brook’s.
Player comparison table:
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | SA | Batter | 85 (77), 7×4, 3×6 | Record 5th consecutive 50, anchored innings |
| Jofra Archer | ENG | Bowler/All-rounder | 4/62, 27* (14) | Best bowler, late batting heroics |
| Nandre Burger | SA | Bowler | 3/63 | Early wicket, death over strikes |
| Jos Buttler | ENG | WK/Batter | 61 (51), 3×4, 3×6 | Aggressive chase leader |
| Jacob Bethell | ENG | Batter | 58 (40), 5×4, 3×6 | Quick fifty against spin |
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By the Numbers: Stats and Records Broken
Milestones Achieved
Matthew Breetzke: First with 50+ in first five ODIs. Joe Root: 43 ODI fifties, most for England. South Africa: Second-closest win vs England (after 1-run in 2000).
Team Comparisons
England’s win % post-2023 WC: 31.8% (7/22 ODIs), worse than most teams. Last four vs SA: All losses. SA’s highest at Lord’s: 330/8.
Stats table:
| Stat Category | South Africa | England |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 330/8 | 325/9 |
| Run Rate | 6.6 | 6.5 |
| Boundaries (4s/6s) | 26/8 | 23/13 |
| Powerplay 1 Runs | 51/0 | 56/1 |
| Wickets by Pace | 4 (Archer) | 5 (Burger, Ngidi, Bosch) |
| Wickets by Spin | 3 (Rashid, Bethell) | 3 (Maharaj, Muthusamy) |
Did you know? Lord’s record ODI total remains 334 from 1975. SA fell short but won anyway. Share surprising facts below!
Post-Match Reactions and Quotes
Temba Bavuma beamed with pride: “Brought some pride to people back home… Kesh showing why he’s number one.” He highlighted injuries but praised Bosch’s versatility.
Harry Brook reflected: “Unlucky in powerplay… Minute improvements.” He defended fatigue excuses, saying the team is fit.
Matthew Breetzke: “Happy… Read the conditions, build partnerships.”
Experts noted England’s spin vulnerability and SA’s depth. Michael Atherton on Sky: “England’s part-timers cost them.”
Broader Implications for the Series
This win boosts South Africa ahead of the third ODI in Southampton on September 7. They aim for a 3-0 whitewash. For England, it’s a wake-up call – eighth loss in 11 ODIs in 2025. Brook’s young squad needs better balance.
Historically, SA’s 1998 win was under Hansie Cronje. Now, Bavuma’s leadership marks a new era. What does this mean for England’s ODI future? Debate in comments!
Check our coverage of the first ODI here.
Fan Reactions and Community Buzz
Fans erupted on X (formerly Twitter). @AkshithJha88423 tweeted: “Congrats to South Africa on winning and not choking… England chokes.” @YouBearsssssss said: “Terrific game… Protect ODI format!”
@SiyaSindelo celebrated: “WE’VE WON THE SERIES!!!!” @BSharan_6: “South Africa ripped it from England!”
Who was the real hero – Breetzke or Archer? Vote in comments!
Videos of Ngidi’s spin and Archer’s sixes went viral.
Conclusion: A Milestone for South African Cricket
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s will be remembered as a classic. The Proteas’ grit secured a historic series win, ending a long drought. England showed fight but must address issues for the final game.
This match proves ODIs’ enduring appeal. As Bavuma said, it brought joy home. For fans, it’s a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability.
Subscribe for updates on the 3rd ODI! What are your predictions? Share below.
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FAQs: South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Thriller
1. What happened in South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s?
In the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 at Lord’s, South Africa edged out England by a nail-biting 5 runs, defending 330/8 to secure a 2-0 series lead. South Africa ODI series win England 2025 Matthew Breetzke’s record half-century (85 off 77) and Tristan Stubbs’ 58 powered South Africa’s innings, while England’s chase featured fifties from Joe Root (61), Jacob Bethell (58), and Jos Buttler (61). Jofra Archer’s late 27* nearly forced a Super Over, but Senuran Muthusamy held firm on the final ball. This marked South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998.
2. Who was the Player of the Match in South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s?
Matthew Breetzke earned Player of the Match honors in the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s for his stellar 85. He became the first batter to score half-centuries in his first five ODIs, anchoring a 147-run partnership with Stubbs. South Africa ODI series win England 2025 Breetzke’s knock included 7 fours and 3 sixes, helping South Africa post a competitive total despite early wickets.
3. What was the final score in South Africa ODI series win England 2025 at Lord’s?
South Africa ODI series win England 2025 South Africa scored 330/8 in 50 overs, with key contributions from Breetzke (85), Stubbs (58), and Dewald Brevis (42). England replied with 325/9, falling short by 5 runs. Nandre Burger took 3-63 for South Africa, while Jofra Archer claimed 4-62 for England. This victory sealed South Africa’s ODI series win in England 2025, their first since 1998.
4. How did Matthew Breetzke perform in South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Matthew Breetzke shone with a record half-century, scoring 85 off 77 balls in the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s. His innings featured aggressive pulls and sixes, forming a crucial 147-run stand with Stubbs. This extended his streak of 50+ scores in his first five ODIs, boosting his career aggregate to 463 runs.
5. What were the key moments in England vs South Africa match highlights 2025 at Lord’s?
Breetzke record half-century Key moments included Archer’s double strike reducing South Africa to 93/3, Breetzke and Stubbs’ revival partnership, Brevis’ explosive 42 off 20, and Buttler’s reverse six. The thriller peaked in the final over, where Archer’s two sixes left 7 needed off the last ball, but an inside edge sealed England’s fate in this England vs South Africa match highlights 2025.
6. Who took the most wickets in South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Jofra Archer led with 4-62 for England, dismissing Rickelton, Bavuma, Breetzke, and Maharaj. For South Africa, Nandre Burger grabbed 3-63, including Jamie Smith’s first-ball duck and late strikes on Jacks and Carse, pivotal in the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s.
7. What records were broken in South Africa ODI series win England 2025?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Matthew Breetzke set a record with half-centuries in his first five ODIs. Joe Root notched his 43rd ODI fifty, most for England. The 5-run margin was South Africa’s second-closest win vs England. England’s poor form continued, with a 31.8% win rate post-2023 World Cup in this South Africa ODI series win England 2025.
8. What did captains say after South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Temba Bavuma praised the team’s pride and Breetzke’s form: “Very proud… brought enjoyment back home.” Harry Brook admitted: “They got 10-15 too many… great effort from the lads.” These quotes captured the intensity of the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s.
9. How does this fit into Jacob Bethell ODI debut impact in 2025?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s Jacob Bethell made a strong Jacob Bethell ODI debut impact, scoring a rapid 58 off 40 with 5 fours and 3 sixes against spin. Promoted to No. 4, his 77-run stand with Root kept England in the hunt during the South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s chase.
10. What are the implications of South Africa cricket victory England in 2025?
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI 2025 Lord’s This South Africa cricket victory England boosts their confidence for the third ODI in Southampton, aiming for a whitewash. For England, it highlights ODI struggles, with eight losses in 11 games in 2025. The win ends a 27-year drought, signaling a new era under Bavuma.
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