Breetzke powers thrilling South African series win over England: 2nd ODI (Lords)

Matthew Breetzke delivered with the bat as South Africa sealed a thrilling five-run win over England in the second ODI at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series and secure their first ODI series victory in England since 1998.

Batting first, the visitors posted 330 for 8, built around Breetzke’s composed 85 – his fifth consecutive fifty-plus score in as many ODIs – supported by Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram and a blistering cameo from Dewald Brevis.

England’s reply was spirited, with Joe Root and Jos Buttler both making 61 and young Jacob Bethell adding 58, while Jofra Archer’s late fireworks left them needing 16 from the final over. However, South Africa held their nerve, with Lungi Ngidi’s pinpoint yorker dismissing Buttler at a crucial moment, and England ultimately closed on 325 for 9.

The defeat extended England’s poor run of ODI results, while South Africa celebrated a landmark series triumph powered by their rising stars.

South Africa 330 for 8 (Breetzke 85, Stubbs 58, Archer 4-62) beat England 325 for 9 (Root 61, Buttler 61, Bethell 58, Burger 3-63) by five runs.

Aug 2025.