South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke grew to become the primary participant to rating half-centuries in every of his first 5 ODI appearances to arrange his aspect’s gripping series-clinching five-run victory over England at Lord’s on Thursday (September 5, 2025).
Breetzke scored 85 and shared in a 147-run fourth-wicket partnership with Tristan Stubbs as South Africa recovered from dropping three fast wickets to put up a formidable 330-8.
Tasked with pulling off a report ODI run chase at Lord’s, England misplaced Jamie Smith first ball however fluent partnerships between Joe Root and Jacob Bethell after which Harry Brook and Joss Buttler saved them within the hunt.
When Buttler was bowled by a magical gradual ball from Lungi Ngidi for 61, the identical rating that Root had scored earlier than being stumped off the bowling of spinner Keshav Maharaj, South Africa have been within the driving seat.
Will Jacks responded with some large hitting till he was dismissed for 39 to go away England’s hopes of an inconceivable victory trying forlorn.
Some brave late hitting by Jofra Archer, together with two sixes, induced some South African jitters however England ended on 325-9 to give the guests an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
The mixed 655 runs scored was probably the most ever in an ODI at Lord’s however that was scant comfort for England who not less than restored some satisfaction after being routed within the first match on Tuesday after they have been bowled out for 131.
“It got exciting for everyone watching. They just kept coming. With the short boundary we knew it was going to be tricky,” South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma stated.
“We held our nerve well and let them into the game more than we should have. A good victory all the same.”
Breetzke had now scored 463 runs at a median of 92 in his 5 ODI appearances for South Africa since making his debut in February and his knock finally proved the distinction.
“It’s been good so far, hope it continues,” he stated of his flying begin within the ODI format. “Very happy, tricky at the start, thought a good score was 280.
“It was a little bit of old-school cricket at the beginning, batsmanship… learn the situations then rating on the again finish.”
Put in to bat as the rain made way for showers, South Africa weathered an early storm and openers Aiden Markham and Ryan Rickelton put on 73 for the opening wicket in 13 overs.
The 26-year-old Breetzke walked in after Bavuma was caught off the bowling of Adil Rashid and when Markham was caught and bowled by the excellent Rashid for 49, South Africa were 93-3 and in danger of undoing their earlier good work.
But Breetzke played with huge confidence, striking seven fours and three sixes in his 77-ball innings that was eventually ended lbw by Archer who took four for 62.
Tristan Stubbs also reached a half century before being run out while Dewald Brevis smashed 42 from 20 balls as South Africa turned the screws in the latter stages of their innings to post the highest-ever ODI total from a touring side at Lord’s, surpassing India’s 326 in 2002.
England could not have made a worse start as Smith edging Nandre Burger’s first ball behind to wicket-keeper Rickelton.
Ben Duckett scratched around for 14 before being bowled by Maharaj but Root looked his classy self and Jacob Bethell bristled with intent in his knock of 58.
Bethell plundered 19 off one Maharaj over but was out slashing a delivery by paceman Corbin Bosch to backward point where Dewald Brevit took the catch.
When Root took a wild heave at Maharaj and was stumped it left England wobbling on 147-4.
Captain Brook and Buttler went along smoothly at a run a ball in a partnership of 69 that looked increasingly dangerous until Brook was deceived by a delivery by Senuran Muthusamy and popped up a running catch by Bavuma at extra cover.
After that, South Africa just about kept control. (Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Christian Radnedge)
