England (ENG) and South Africa (SA) are set to face each other in the first ODI of a three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday, September 2, at 5:30 PM (IST). The Proteas begin their white-ball tour of England with the ODI leg, aiming for a strong start, while the home side looks to maintain its dominance in the 50-over format.
Match Details
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Match: England vs South Africa, 1st ODI
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Series: South Africa Tour of England 2025
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Venue: Headingley, Leeds
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Date & Time: September 2, 5:30 PM IST
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Live Streaming: SonyLIV, FanCode
Team Overviews
England (ENG)
England come into this series high on confidence after an impressive white-ball series win against the West Indies earlier this year. The Harry Brook-led side clean-swept both ODIs and T20Is and will look to replicate that dominance. With players returning from their stints in The Hundred, the squad has depth and form on its side.
The biggest positive for England is the return of Jofra Archer, who makes a comeback to the ODI setup after a long injury layoff. His pace and accuracy will strengthen their bowling attack. Alongside him, England boasts star batters like Joe Root, who had a brilliant outing against the West Indies.
South Africa (SA)
The Proteas arrive in England after winning an ODI series against Australia, a result that lifted their spirits following a T20I series loss (2-1) in the same tour. The inclusion of Kagiso Rabada is a major boost for South Africa, as the speedster returns after missing the Australia tour due to an ankle injury.
Skipper Temba Bavuma will lead a side that includes exciting young talents like Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and the reliable Aiden Markram. The bowling attack, featuring Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, looks strong enough to challenge England’s batting firepower.
ENG vs SA Head-to-Head in ODIs
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Matches Played: 71
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England Wins: 30
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South Africa Wins: 35
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No Result: 5
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Tied: 1
Historically, South Africa holds a slight edge over England in ODIs, but the recent form and home advantage favor the hosts.
Predicted Playing XIs
England (ENG):
Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker
South Africa (SA):
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka
Pitch Report – Headingley, Leeds
The surface at Headingley is known for being batting-friendly, offering plenty of runs. However, spinners are likely to come into play as the game progresses. Teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first, considering dew and chasing advantage under lights.
Key Players to Watch
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Joe Root (ENG): In exceptional form, scoring 267 runs in his last ODI series against the West Indies at an average of 133.50.
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Jofra Archer (ENG): Making his return; his pace can trouble any batting lineup.
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Kagiso Rabada (SA): The experienced pacer has 19 wickets in 15 ODIs in English conditions and will be crucial in the powerplay.
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Temba Bavuma (SA): The skipper needs to lead from the front with the bat and provide stability.
Probable Scenarios
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A high-scoring game is expected, with scores possibly crossing 300 if the top order clicks.
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England’s strong batting depth gives them an advantage, but South Africa’s pace attack, led by Rabada, can turn things around.
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Spinners like Rehan Ahmed and Keshav Maharaj may play a decisive role in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
England start as favorites due to home advantage, recent form, and a balanced lineup. However, if Rabada and Bavuma fire, South Africa can upset the hosts. Expect a competitive clash, but England hold a 60-40 edge heading into this encounter.