England will be aiming for a consolation victory when they face South Africa in the third and final ODI of the series at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday, September 7. The Proteas have already sealed the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first two games, but both contests have been hard-fought, with the second ODI ending in a nail-biting finish.
Series Recap
In the second ODI, England opted to bowl first after winning the toss. South Africa posted an imposing 330/8, thanks to a brilliant innings from Matthew Breetzke, who top-scored with 85 off 77 balls. For England, Jofra Archer stood out with the ball, claiming 4/62.
Chasing 331, England fought valiantly but fell just short, finishing at 325/9 and losing by five runs. Joe Root and Jos Buttler registered important half-centuries, but their efforts weren’t enough as South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Nandre Burger’s 3/63, held their nerve in the death overs. Breetzke was awarded the Player of the Match for his batting heroics.
ENG vs SA Match Details
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Match: England vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, South Africa tour of England 2025
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Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
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Date & Time: Sunday, September 7, 3:30 PM (IST)
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Broadcast & Streaming: SonyLIV, FanCode
Pitch Report
The Rose Bowl traditionally offers balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score in the last 10 matches is 274 runs, suggesting competitive totals are common. Bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have found assistance, while batters who settle in can score freely. Given the trend, teams might prefer to chase under lights.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
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Matches Played: 73
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England Wins: 30
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South Africa Wins: 37
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No Result: 5
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Tied: 1
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First-Ever Fixture: March 12, 1992
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Most Recent Fixture: September 4, 2025
South Africa hold the upper hand historically, and their current form only strengthens their dominance.
Predicted Playing XIs
England (captain – Harry Brook):
Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
South Africa (captain – Temba Bavuma):
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Key Players to Watch
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Aiden Markram (South Africa): The Proteas skipper has been the standout batter of the series, amassing 135 runs in two matches at an average of 67.50 and a strike rate of 113.44. His ability to anchor and accelerate makes him a major threat.
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Keshav Maharaj (South Africa): Currently the leading wicket-taker of the series with six scalps at an average of 13.50, Maharaj has also enjoyed consistent success against England, taking 16 wickets in 10 ODIs.
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Joe Root (England): Root’s composure in the middle order remains vital for England’s batting stability. His half-century in the second ODI showed signs of a return to form.
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Jofra Archer (England): With his pace and wicket-taking ability, Archer will once again be crucial, especially in the powerplay overs.
Probable Match Scenarios
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Scenario 1: England win the toss, bowl first → Powerplay: 50–60, South Africa 290–310 → South Africa likely to win.
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Scenario 2: South Africa win the toss, bowl first → Powerplay: 55–65, South Africa 280–300 → South Africa likely to win.
Match Prediction
Despite England’s fighting spirit in the second ODI, South Africa’s all-round form and momentum give them the edge heading into the series finale. Prediction: South Africa to win the 3rd ODI and complete a 3-0 clean sweep.