Breetzke Heroics Help South Africa Clinch ODI Series Against England
London: South Africa sealed their first ODI series win in England since 1998 with a dramatic five-run victory over hosts England in the second ODI at Lord’s.
Matthew Breetzke starred with 85 runs, supported by Tristan Stubbs (58), as South Africa posted 330 for 8. England came close in a tense chase, finishing 325 for 9, with half-centuries from Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell.
The thrilling finish went down to the final ball, when Jofra Archer fell just short of hitting the six needed to tie the match. South Africa’s disciplined bowling, led by Nandre Burger (3-63), ensured the visitors held on for a narrow win, making the series 2-0 with one match remaining.
This victory marks a historic return for South Africa, ending a 27-year wait for a bilateral ODI series triumph on English soil.
Scorecard Highlights:
South Africa: 330/8 (Breetzke 85, Stubbs 58)
England: 325/9 (Root 61, Buttler 61, Bethell 58; Burger 3-63)