South Africa end 27-Year wait; clinch historic ODI series win in England

South Africa defeated England by five runs at Lord’s to claim their first ODI series win in England since 1998, sealing the contest 2–0 with one match left.

South Africa (Image | cricket.com.au)

South Africa scripted history at Lord’s as they sealed a thrilling five-run win over England in the second ODI, ending a 27-year wait for a bilateral ODI series victory on English soil. The result gave the Proteas a 2–0 lead in the three-match series and underlined their resurgence in limited-overs cricket under skipper Temba Bavuma. For England, it continued a worrying run of ODI failures, with yet another narrow defeat adding to their growing list of setbacks.

Batting first, South Africa posted a formidable 330/8. The innings revolved around Matthew Breetzke, who struck a fluent 85. His knock not only anchored the Proteas but also helped him achieve a rare milestone, becoming the first batter in ODI history to register fifty-plus scores in each of his first five matches. He found strong support in Tristan Stubbs, whose 58 provided stability, while Dewald Brevis chipped in with a blistering 42 off just 20 balls, ensuring momentum never dipped. A dramatic moment arrived when Stubbs lost control of his bat mid-swing, narrowly missing the stumps, leaving the crowd stunned but entertained.

England’s reply was spirited but fell just short. Joe Root (61) and Jacob Bethell (58) kept the chase alive, while captain Jos Buttler (61) added urgency in the middle overs. Despite their best efforts, the disciplined South African attack, led by Lungi Ngidi and Senuran Muthusamy, struck at crucial intervals. England eventually finished on 325/9, agonizingly close to the target but unable to cross the line.

The victory was South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998, breaking a long drought and giving them consecutive away series triumphs after beating Australia earlier this year. It also highlighted the team’s growing confidence ahead of major ICC tournaments, with Bavuma’s leadership earning widespread praise.

For England, however, the loss was another reminder of their struggles in ODIs. This defeat marked their fifth series loss in six attempts and their eighth defeat in 11 matches under Buttler’s captaincy. Once a dominant white-ball side, England now faces mounting questions about its approach, squad balance, and ability to close out tight contests.

With the series already decided, the final ODI in Southampton on September 7 offers England a chance to salvage pride, while South Africa will aim for a clean sweep to cap their historic tour.

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