South Africa seals victory over England by five runs at Lord’s

The second ODI clash between England and South Africa ended in a nail-biting finish, with South Africa securing victory by just five runs.
September 5, 2025
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South Africa beat England by five runs in the second ODI at Lord’s to win the series with one match left. It was their first ODI series win in England since 1998. Matthew Breetzke played a key role, scoring 85 on his return from injury. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, who made 58, he helped South Africa reach 330 for 8. 

England had three players who made fifties, Joe Root (61), Jacob Bethell (58), and Jos Buttler (61), but none of them carried on to make a match-winning score. Buttler played bravely, even celebrating his 50 by looking to the sky after the recent passing of his father. 

Needing six off the final ball to force a Super Over, Archer could only manage a single, leaving England stranded on 325 for 9. The victory gives South Africa an unassailable 2–0 series lead with one game to spare, ending a 27-year wait for an ODI series win in England.