South Africa held their nerve to beat England by five runs in a gripping second ODI at Lord’s, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo
Put in to bat, the Proteas posted a strong 330/8 in their 50 overs. Openers Aiden Markram (49) and Ryan Rickelton (35) gave the side a steady start with a 73-run stand. Matthew Breetzke then stole the spotlight, compiling a fluent 85. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, who struck 58, the pair added 147 for the 4th wicket to consolidate the innings. Dewald Brevis chipped in with a quickfire 42 off 20 balls, while Corbin Bosch finished unbeaten on 32 to push the score beyond 300.
England’s reply began poorly with Jamie Smith dismissed first ball and Ben Duckett struggling before falling for 14. Joe Root (61) and Jacob Bethell (58) steadied the ship with a composed partnership. Jos Buttler kept England in the chase with an aggressive 61, but his dismissal to a clever slower ball shifted the momentum back to South Africa.
Despite a late cameo from Jofra Archer, who smashed 27* off just 14 balls, England fell agonisingly short. They needed a six off the final ball to tie the contest and force a Super Over, but Archer couldn’t quite clear the ropes.
South Africa’s bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi in the crucial middle overs, held their composure under pressure. The win handed the visitors a memorable triumph at Lord’s and gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
For England, the narrow defeat reflected both promise and concern. While Root, Bethell, and Buttler offered resistance, the lack of bowling depth and an inconsistent start to their chase proved decisive. With one match still to play, the hosts will be desperate to salvage pride in the final ODI.
