South Africa held their nerve in a tense finish to clinch a five-run victory over England in the second ODI, securing the three-match series 2–0 with one game still to play.
Batting first after being invited in, the Proteas piled up 330 for 8 in 50 overs. Matthew Breetzke top-scored with a composed 85, while Tristan Stubbs chipped in with a valuable 58, and Aiden Markram added 49. For England, Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, supported by Adil Rashid who grabbed two.
Chasing a stiff target of 331, England fought valiantly but fell just short, finishing on 325 for 9 in their 50 overs. Despite strong efforts from Joe Root (61), Jos Buttler (61), and Jacob Bethell (58), England’s lower order couldn’t finish the job. With 16 needed off the final over, they managed only 10, leaving South Africa victors by the narrowest of margins.
For the Proteas, Nandre Burger claimed three wickets while Keshav Maharaj added two crucial breakthroughs.
This thrilling win not only gave South Africa the series 2–0, but also highlighted their growing confidence ahead of the final game. Matthew Breetzke was named Player of the Match.
