England’s struggles in white-ball cricket persisted as a nail-biting five-run defeat to South Africa at Lord’s handed them a series loss with a game to spare.
Chasing a daunting 331 for victory, which would have been a record ODI run-chase at the Home of Cricket, England’s effort fell agonisingly short, finishing on 325-9.
The result marks a significant setback for captain Harry Brook, representing his first series defeat since taking charge of the revamped side at the start of the summer. More broadly, it extends a miserable run of form, being England’s fifth ODI series loss in six since the 2023 World Cup.
After opting to field in damp conditions, England made early inroads, reducing the tourists to 93-3. However, a superb 129-run partnership between Matthew Breetzke (85) and Tristan Stubbs (58) rebuilt the innings. The charge was then accelerated by a blistering 42 from just 20 balls by Dewald Brevis, who propelled South Africa to a formidable 330-8.
Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4-62, but the 10 combined overs of part-time spin from Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks proved expensive, leaking 112 runs.
England’s reply suffered an immediate setback as Jamie Smith was dismissed by the first ball of the innings. The chase, however, was ignited by the fearless Bethell, who counter-attacked for a vibrant 58. Alongside a classy Joe Root (61), he took England to a commanding position at 143-2.
The game turned in an instant. Bethell chopped on and Root was stumped by a considerable distance, with both wickets falling for just four runs. The momentum shifted decisively to the Proteas.
Thereafter, England’s batters never fully regained control. Captain Jos Buttler made a determined 61, while Brook (33) and Jacks (39) played cameos, but the required rate always seemed to be climbing.
A late flurry from Archer, who smashed 28, offered a thrilling twist. With last man Saqib Mahmood for company, he needed 16 from the final over. The pair scrambled 10 runs, leaving Archer to hit a six from the last ball to tie the game, but he could only find the fielder, sparking South African celebrations.
The teams now head to Southampton for the final match on Sunday, where England will be playing for pride, desperate to avoid suffering a home ODI series clean sweep for the first time since 2006.
