England and South Africa are set to clash in the first ODI of their three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The hosts return to the 50-over format after nearly two months, having last faced West Indies before shifting focus to Test cricket and The Hundred.
Backed by home support, England will aim to find their rhythm quickly and start the series on a positive note. South Africa arrive in Leeds carrying momentum from a hard-fought series win over Australia, and their recent white-ball form makes them a dangerous opponent.
The contest promises high-intensity cricket as both teams look to seize the early advantage in this ODI series.
Head-to-head record: England vs. South Africa in ODIs
England and South Africa have faced each other 71 times in One-Day Internationals. The Proteas hold a narrow edge with 35 wins, while England have registered 30 victories. One game ended in a tie back in 2005, and five matches produced no result.
- Total matches: 71
- England wins: 30
- South Africa wins: 35
- Tied/No result: 6
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Joe Root (ENG): England’s leading run-getter in ODIs with 7,126 runs at an average of 49.14, Root remains the anchor of their batting lineup and a consistent run machine.
Matthew Breetzke (SA): The young prodigy became the first player to score 50-plus runs in each of his first four ODIs, giving South Africa a dynamic option at the top of the order.
Bowlers to watch
Jofra Archer (ENG): The pace spearhead has 54 ODI wickets to his name, including career-best figures of 6/40. Known for his raw pace and accuracy, Archer’s ability to strike early and deliver in the death overs makes him a vital player to watch in this series.
Keshav Maharaj (SA): The experienced left-arm spinner recently picked up a five-wicket haul against Australia and continues to be South Africa’s main weapon in the middle overs.
ENG vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, England head into the first ODI as favourites at 1.60, while South Africa are priced at 2.33. The odds reflect England’s home advantage and strong recent record at Headingley, but South Africa’s recent form against Australia makes them a dangerous opponent.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
England | 1.60 |
South Africa | 2.33 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Jos Buttler to score 40+ runs – The England captain has a strong ODI record against South Africa and thrives in home conditions.
- Jofra Archer to take 2+ wickets – Returning to lead the pace attack, Archer’s strike power with the new ball and at the death makes him a top pick.
- Both teams to score 250+ runs – Given Headingley’s batting-friendly conditions and the depth in both lineups, a high-scoring contest is on the cards.
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England vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
England Team News
Harry Brook continues to lead the side after guiding England to series wins over West Indies earlier this summer. The big news is the debut of young Hampshire pacer Sonny Baker, who joins Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse in a strong pace attack.
Local star Adil Rashid provides spin options on his home ground, while most of England’s batting core return fresh from The Hundred and will be eager to make an impact in front of home fans.
England (predicted playing XI): Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker.
South Africa Team News
The Proteas enter the series on a high after beating Australia in ODIs. Skipper Temba Bavuma will rely on his experienced core, and the return of Kagiso Rabada is a major boost to their bowling unit.
South Africa’s batting will once again be strengthened by the in-form Matthew Breetzke, while the likes of Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi add variety and wicket-taking threat to their attack. Momentum and confidence from their Australia tour give them plenty of belief heading into Leeds.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka.
ENG vs. SA live scorecard: 1st ODI
To follow the action between England vs. South Africa live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
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Where to watch ENG vs. SA 1st ODI in India
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Date & Time (IST): Tuesday, September 2; 5:30 p.m
- Streaming Details: SonyLIV, FanCode (app and website)
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