South Africa narrowly edged past England by five runs in a last-ball thriller in the second ODI of the three-match series at Lord’s. A composed innings from Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs, along with late fireworks from Dewald Brevis, helped South Africa post a challenging total on the board.
In reply, South African bowlers just managed to restrict the England batters in 50 overs. Nandre Burger (3/63 in 10 overs) led the bowling attack, turning the match in South Africa's favour by taking two crucial wickets in the final overs.
Matthew Breetzke’s innings of 85, in his return match after a hamstring injury, laid the foundation for South Africa’s total of 330. The bowlers then held their nerve under the floodlights to seal a tense victory at Lord’s.
South Africa Seal Series With One Game Left
South Africa now lead the series 2-0, making Sunday’s final game in Southampton a formality. This was their first series win in England since 1998, five months before Breetzke was even born. England fought back better than they did in the opening game at Leeds but fell just short.
The match went down to the final ball. England needed a six from Jofra Archer to force a Super Over. However, he managed only a single off Senuran Muthusamy, sealing South Africa’s victory.
England’s Struggles Continue
This loss marked England’s eighth defeat in 11 ODIs this year. Despite their poor run, captain Harry Brook refused to blame fatigue.
“In my eyes that's just an excuse,” Brook said. “We're good enough and fit enough to be able to keep playing for the time being. Chasing 6.5 an over from ball one is tough, but that’s why we picked this side with a long batting order. To get within one blow of that score is a really good effort.”
South Africa’s Confident Start
England captain Brook had opted to field first after heavy showers delayed the start by 15 minutes. Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood found early movement, but South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton handled the challenge well, adding 73 for the first wicket.
Rickelton fell for 35, top-edging Archer behind to Buttler. Adil Rashid then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Bavuma and Markram. However, Breetzke and Stubbs’ crucial partnership swung the game decisively in South Africa’s favor.
Breetzke and Stubbs Build Strong Platform
South Africa were struggling at 93 for 3 after 19 overs when Tristan Stubbs joined Breetzke. Together, they added 147 runs off 126 balls, shifting momentum firmly towards the visitors. Dewald Brevis then provided late fireworks, pushing the total close to 300.
Although they missed breaking the record ODI total at Lord’s by just four runs, South Africa’s batting display was commanding.
Breetzke’s 85 was the highest individual score by a South African at Lord’s. Remarkably, he became the first player to pass 50 in each of his first five ODI innings, taking his total to 463 runs in the format. His calculated assault on England’s part-time spinners was a key factor in the innings.
England’s Bowling Exposed
England had relied on just four specialist bowlers in their earlier series win over the West Indies. Against South Africa, that gamble backfired.
Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell were ruthlessly targeted, conceding a combined 112 runs from 10 overs. Brevis smashed Bethell for back-to-back sixes, while Stubbs punished Jacks heavily.
Root, curiously, was not given a chance to bowl, despite England’s bowling struggles.
England’s Chase Falters
South Africa seized control immediately when Nandre Burger dismissed Jamie Smith with the first ball of the innings. Joe Root steadied the chase, adding 66 runs for the second wicket. At the other end, Ben Duckett’s poor form continued as he scratched to 14 off 33 balls before falling to Keshav Maharaj.
Jacob Bethell, promoted to No. 4, provided a quick spark. He smashed a 28-ball fifty, including powerful sixes against South Africa’s spinners. Root reached his own fifty soon after, but both men were dismissed in quick succession, halting England’s momentum.
Buttler Fights Amid Personal Loss
Brook and Jos Buttler revived England’s hopes with a 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Buttler, grieving his father’s recent passing, reached his half-century with a stunning reverse-slap for six and looked skyward in tribute.
However, South Africa kept their composure. Muthusamy dismissed Brook with extra bounce, while Lungi Ngidi deceived Buttler with a slower ball. Burger then struck twice in an over, removing Jacks and Brydon Carse to leave England needing 40 runs off the final three overs.
Archer fought bravely, hitting two sixes and several boundaries, but England ultimately fell short.