England and South Africa meet at Lord’s on Thursday, September 4, for the second ODI of the three-match series, and the stakes could not be higher for the hosts.
South Africa head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after brushing aside England in a dominant display at Headingley, where the home side folded for just 131 runs.
The Proteas chased the target with ease, leaving Harry Brook’s men under pressure to find answers quickly. A loss at Lord’s would hand South Africa the series and deepen England’s struggles in ODIs, while a win would keep the contest alive and restore some much-needed confidence.
Head-to-head record: England vs. South Africa in ODIs
England and South Africa have faced each other 72 times in ODIs, with the Proteas holding a slight edge. South Africa have secured 36 wins, while England have claimed victory in 30 matches. Six encounters ended without a result or were tied, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry over the years.
- Total matches: 72
- England wins: 30
- South Africa wins: 36
- Tied/No result: 6
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Jamie Smith (ENG): The young batter was the lone bright spot for England in the first ODI, top-scoring with 54 off 48 balls. His ability to counter South Africa’s pace attack will be crucial if England are to stage a comeback.
Aiden Markram (SA): The Proteas skipper led from the front with a match-winning 86 off 55 balls. His fluent stroke play and ability to anchor run chases make him a key figure at Lord’s.
Bowlers to watch
Adil Rashid (ENG): The leg-spinner impressed with 3/26 in just 3.5 overs, showing his knack for breakthroughs. England will bank on his control and wicket-taking skills in the middle overs.
Keshav Maharaj (SA): The left-arm spinner dismantled England’s batting lineup with 4/22, proving how effective he can be in English conditions. His role will again be pivotal in controlling the game.
ENG vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to the best odds on bet365, England head into the second ODI as slight favourites with odds of 8/11, while South Africa are priced at 5/4 on Betfair despite their dominant win in the series opener. The bookmakers are leaning towards the hosts bouncing back at Lord’s, but the Proteas’ current form makes this contest a lot closer than the betting odds suggest.
Odds* | |
England | 8/11 |
South Africa | 5/4 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Top England batter – Jamie Smith: After his fluent 54 in the first ODI, Smith looks in form to anchor England’s innings again.
- Top South Africa bowler – Keshav Maharaj: The left-arm spinner bagged 4/22 in Leeds, and his variations could trouble England in the middle overs.
- Match result – South Africa to win: Despite England’s favourite tag, South Africa’s batting depth and bowling momentum make them a strong pick to seal the series.
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England vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
England Team News
England head into the second ODI under pressure after being bowled out for just 131 in Leeds. Jamie Smith’s half-century was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable batting display. Jos Buttler and Joe Root will need to step up, while the middle order must find a way to counter South Africa’s spinners.
On the bowling front, Adil Rashid impressed with 3/26, but the pacers failed to make early inroads. Expect Jofra Archer to be a key figure at Lord’s as England look for a stronger all-round effort.
England (predicted playing XI): Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker
South Africa Team News
South Africa arrives at Lord’s with confidence after a seven-wicket win. Aiden Markram’s blistering 86 set the tone in the chase, while Keshav Maharaj ran through England’s batting with 4/22. Ryan Rickelton provided stability at the top, and the all-round support from Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi added depth to the side. With the Proteas already 1-0 up, they are unlikely to tinker much with their XI, banking on their bowling attack to deliver once again.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Where to watch ENG vs. SA 2nd ODI in India
- Venue: Lord's, London
- Date & Time (IST): Thursday, September 04, 1:00 p.m
- TV: Sky Sports
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