HIGHLIGHTS England vs South Africa, South Africa in England 3 ODI Series 2025, 3rd ODI- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of England. It will be the duo of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton to open the innings for South Africa. Jofra Archer has the new ball in hand and is raring to go.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The bowling from South Africa was patchy to say the best, but Corbin Bosch did show good control and variety and picked up a couple of wickets, as did Keshav Maharaj. However, their batters now have a tough task at hand as they look to seal a clean sweep. England have the runs on the board but they will need to bowl well as they are still playing three part-timers to make up for the proper fifth bowler. South Africa weren't at their best in the field and bowled way too many wides and with skipper Temba Bavuma being off the field in the last 10 or so overs of the first innings, their batting could be hampered as well. Can they pull off a miracle, though? Only time will tell. Do join us for the run chase which will begin shortly.

Heading into the final phase of the game, South Africa managed to snatch up a couple of wickets as Bethell departed for a fine 110 and Harry Brook departed just a couple of balls later. Jos Buttler then came in and never took his foot off the pedal as Joe Root went on to bring up his 19th ODI ton and got out soon after. Buttler remained unbeaten on 62 off just 32 balls as he hit three boundaries in the space of 4 balls in the final over to hand all the momentum to his team. England have now become the first team to reach 400 twice this year in an ODI - the previous occasion being against West Indies at Edgbaston in May.

Jamie Smith got a life soon after Duckett fell, but made good use of it and stitched together another decent stand with Joe Root before getting out on 62. The score was 117/2 when Jacob Bethell walked in and then came the defining stand of the first innings. Bethell and Root added 182 big runs in just 24 overs as Bethell brought up a maiden ODI century.

After being asked to bat first, England had a blistering start in the first 10 overs. The South African pacers were all over the place and both Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett punished the bad balls. Duckett still looked a bit undercooked and eventually fell as Corbin Bosch handed the visitors their first breakthrough.

England love playing here at the Rose Bowl and for the first time, 400-plus has been scored at this venue in an ODI game. This is also the first time England have crossed the 400-run barrier against South Africa in an ODI game and what a feisty finish that was from Jos Buttler as well. As for the Proteas, they have conceded 400-plus in back-to-back dead rubbers, the previous one was 431 in the third ODI against Australia just a couple of weeks back and this also the 4th time they have conceded over 400 runs, only behind West Indies who have achieved this unwanted feat 5 times.

Nandre Burger to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Ends the innings in style. Misses the yorker and overpitches it on middle. Jos Buttler smashes it wide of mid on and it rolls to the fence. England end with a mammoth total of 414/5.

Nandre Burger to Jos Buttler, FOUR! MORE RUNS! Nandre Burger has leaked 91 runs so far. Bowls a full toss, outside off, Jos Buttler shapes for the reverse hit but just opens the face of the bat to hit it over the keeper and over short third for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Jos Buttler, A DOT! A slower bumper on middle, Jos Buttler looks to pull but misses it. Can South Africa end well?

Nandre Burger to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Past the fielder! Another boundary! Short of a length and on middle, Jos Buttler gets in position to pull, hits it to deep square leg for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, Nails the short ball this time, bowls it on middle, eased to mid on for a single.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, FOUR! 400 up for England! Huge cheer from the crowd. Keeps it full and outside off, well wide and Will Jacks powers it over extra-cover for a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, Good stop! Corbin Bosch hits the fuller-length and bowls it on middle, Jos Buttler makes room and smashes it back to Corbin Bosch who puts his body on line and stops. A rare dot ball in the phase.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, That's fifty for Jos Buttler in just 27 balls. Just the finish England were looking for and Jos Buttler is providing it. Touch fuller and on middle and off. Jos Buttler flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler nearing 50. England nearing 400! A scrambled seam delivery, full and outside off, Jos Buttler makes room and thumps it down to long off for a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, Short again and on middle, Jos Buttler pulls it to deep square leg where the fielder dives to his right and stops it well for a couple.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, Bowls it on the shorter side and on middle and leg. Jos Buttler shapes for the reverse hit but misses. The length was not good enough for that shot.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, Corbin Bosch serves it full and around leg, Jos Buttler uses the line and hits it through mid-wicket for a brace.

South Africa are penalised for a slower over rate and will have to bring one fielder from the boundary inside the ring.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, SIX! ALL THE WAY! England nearing 400! Nandre Burger misses his yorker by an inch, bowls it on middle, Will Jacks smokes it over long on for a biggie.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, FOUR! TOP EDGE! Everything is going against South Africa! Bangs it short and on middle, Will Jacks looks to pull but top edges it behind the keeper for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, Keeps it full and wide outside off. Will Jacks looks to jam it out but misses.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, Pushes it full and on middle and leg. Will Jacks works it to deep square leg, in the gap for a couple of runs.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, Wide! Bowls a slower bouncer but against the umpire's liking, over the head of Jacks for a wide.

Nandre Burger to Jos Buttler, Nandre Burger looks for the blockhole, bowls it on middle, Jos Buttler whips it to deep square leg for a single.

Nandre Burger to Will Jacks, Pitched up, outside off. Will Jacks punches it to deep cover for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Will Jacks, Serves it very full and around off, Will Jacks digs it out to cover for a single to end the over.

Will Jacks walks out to bat at number 7.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, OUT! GONE! 100 and out! Joe Root goes back to a standing ovation! Corbin Bosch bowls from around the wicket, very full and outside off, angled across. Joe Root tries to play with an angled bat, hits it uppishly but to point where the substitute fielder Kwena Maphaka leaps and takes it. End of an incredible innings from Joe Root. Lovely stuff seen here. One young gentleman's day has been made as Joe Root gives away his gloves to him.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, Short in length and on middle, Jos Buttler pulls it hard and flat to deep square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, More running! 9 runs off the last four deliveries all between the sticks! Tad fuller and on middle and leg. Jos Buttler heaves it to deep mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis dives forward but stops on a bounce as the ball dies on its way.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, TWO MORE! Spills in a fuller delivery on the pads. Jos Buttler whacks it to deep square leg where Dewald Brevis stops it to save two runs.

Corbin Bosch to Jos Buttler, This is full and on middle. Jos Buttler works with the angle and hits it behind square leg where the fielder runs to his right and dives to save a couple.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Overpitched, outside off, Jos Buttler lofts it over extra-cover. Cue ends his shot and takes three runs. Easy running.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Fuller delivery flirting with the tramline. Jos Buttler leaves it alone.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, HUNDRED FOR ROOT! 19th ODI century for the Run Machine! The best England has ever produced. This is full and on middle, Joe Root eases it to long on for a single. Removes the helmet and absorbs all the applause from the home crowd.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Good length ball, outside off. Joe Root punches it to cover.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Keeps it short but further up his length and bowls it on leg, Jos Buttler pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, JUST ONE! Joe Root moves to 99! Shorter and outside off, Joe Root upper-cuts it to third man for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Short of a good length and on middle, Joe Root wrists it to mid-wicket for a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and it rolls away for another run. Joe Root would have gone for all the money had he hit it, but instead England get one overthrow run as well. More worries for South Africa. Codi Yusuf has overstepped. Free-hit next...

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Wide! Starts with an extra. Slides it very full and down the leg side. Joe Root misses his flick.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, SIX! Jos Buttler is in a devastating mood, it seems and the signs are ominous for South Africa right now. This is tossed up on middle and leg, Buttler skips down the pitch and lifts it handsomely over long on for a biggie. The 350 is up for England and there are still 5 overs left.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Floated up at the stumps, Jos Buttler clears the front leg and opens up the off side, creaming it wide of long off for a boundary.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Oh, that could be a disaster for Joe Root! Full and around off, Root looks to reverse flick again but gets it off the toe end of the bat. Luckily for him, the ball lobs up into a vacant space around point and he picks up a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, Quicker one, fired in towards the stumps, Buttler backs away and scythes it square through covers for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Flighted ball outside off, Joe Root sits down and reverse laps it down to deep third. Nandre Burger chases it down from short third and pulls it back in. The batters complete three runs as well.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Length ball on off, bowled flatter, punched away to covers.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Wrong line from Yusuf and that's another fruitful over for England, 11 off it. Full and just drifting down leg, Buttler clips it off the pads and the ball runs fine down to fine leg for a boundary.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Wide! Buttler gives the charge again and this time Codi looks to fire it in at the pads, but ends up dragging it down the leg side for another wide.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Short of a length and on leg, flicked away off the pads down to fine leg for a couple of runs by Jos Buttler.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Wide! Sees the batter charging down the pitch and drags it full and wide outside off. Buttler leaves it alone and a wide is called. Oh, that's a bit of a harsh call as it initially seemed to have landed inside the tramline.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, A slower short ball now, over middle and around head height. Joe Root plays a controlled pull shot and angles it down to long leg for one more.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Banged in short and at the batter, Buttler charges down the pitch and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Codi Yusuf to Jos Buttler, Hard length on off, a bit of extra bounce on offer. Buttler looks to drive on the up but gets it high on the bat and to mid off.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Good length, wide of the off stump, swatted away towards cover for a quick single by Root.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Tossed-up delivery outside off, Root sits down and sweeps it well in front of square on the leg side for a run. Root moves into the 90s now.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, Floated up, on a dragged length. Buttler skips down the track to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls behind point and the batters complete another single.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Flighted ball, full and outside off, dragged down to long on for a single by Root.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, A bit quicker and flatter around off, punched away straight to covers.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Tossed up, around middle and leg, sliding in. Joe Root lunges across to get inside the line and gets a tickle on the paddle sweep, getting it just past the keeper and down to fine leg for a couple.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, Floated up, on a length and on leg, Buttler pushes it down through mid on for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Jos Buttler, Goes full and attacks the pads, Buttler misses the flick and the ball rolls off his pads to the leg side. They pick up a leg bye and 20 runs come off this 10-ball over.

Wiaan Mulder to Jos Buttler, Wide! This is turning out to be a long and frustrating over for Wiaan Mulder and South Africa. Slower bumper, angling down leg and too high as well.

Wiaan Mulder to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Another one! Short ball over middle and leg, Buttler gets in position early and gets on top of the bounce, pulling it firmly and enough to the right of the square leg fielder to pick up a boundary.

Wiaan Mulder to Jos Buttler, FOUR! And, the extra deliveries are costing the Proteas dearly as well. Hard length outside off, Jos Buttler wanders past the line of the off stump and ramps it down to fine leg for a boundary.

Wiaan Mulder to Jos Buttler, Wide! A slower bumper now, banged in around middle and bounces comfortably over Buttler's head. Too many errors with the ball and in the field from South Africa in this innings.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Shortish length over leg, Root helps the pull down to fine leg and turns the strike over.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Wide! And again! Length ball, drifted down the leg side for another wide.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Wide! Slower ball, slightly into the deck but spilled down the leg side for a wide.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, FOUR! Oh, that's cheeky from Joe Root! Hard length at the batter, Root goes for the reverse scoop nd gets it up and over short third for a boundary.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, A slower bumper, over middle and leg, Root gets inside the line and gets the pull off the top edge of the blade down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, Nicely flighted, a bit full and drifting into middle, Buttler clears the front leg and strokes it to the left of the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj to Jos Buttler, Bowled into the pitch and on off, Jos Buttler punches it back to the bowler.

Jos Buttler comes to the middle.

Keshav Maharaj to Harry Brook, OUT! HARRY BROOK IS RUN OUT! A strange passage of play, but in the end, Harry Brook has to depart. Keshav Maharaj serves a low full toss, drifting it into the pads. Brook sits down to sweep but gets a top edge that lands safely and just over square leg. The batters pick up a single but push for a late second run. Codi Yusuf charges in from the deep and fires in a solid throw towards the keeper. Ryan Rickelton whips off the bails in a flash and replays show that Brook was a fair few inches short of his ground. Double whammy for the Proteas!

Keshav Maharaj to Harry Brook, Tossed up, full and around off, Harry Brook lunges across and gets inside the line, paddling it down to fine leg for a couple of runs. The 300 is up for England now.

Harry Brook is the new man in.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, OUT! STUMPED! Finally, South Africa break this mammoth stand and Jacob Bethell has to walk back after a stellar knock. Bethell is a bit early to advance down the pitch and Keshav Maharaj smartly floats it wide outside the off stump. Bethell has to really reach for it but fails to lay a bat on it and Ryan Rickelton is quick to dislodge the bails. Bethell walks back after scoring 110 (82) and England are now 299/3 after 40.1 overs.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Bowls it into the pitch and at the batter, Jacob Bethell jams it back to the bowler.

Powerplay 3! Into the final 10 overs we go then and England are already just one run away from the 300-run mark. South Africa will now have the option of an additional fielder in the deep, though.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, A bumper, outside off, Bethell looks to pull but miscues it on the off side for a single. 15 runs off the over.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! MISFIELD! Burger pushes it up again, outside off, Jacob Bethell stays on the leg side and smashes it straight towards mid off, who fails to make the stop and the ball is parried away for four more runs.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Jacob Bethell is unstoppable now! Pitched up, in the slot, just outside off. Bethell lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Wide! Too short and too high. Bethell lets it go. Easily wided.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, A good slower bumper outside off, Bethell is taken aback and decides to leave it alone.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! MAIDEN ODI HUNDRED! The youngster is anchoring the fourth position for the future. Nandre Burger goes for the yorker but misses by an inch, around off, Bethell leans and creams it through covers for a boundary. Gets a big hug from Joe Root and a round of applause from the crowd.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Fuller and slanting on the pads, Root wrists it across towards deep square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Into the surface, shorter and outside off. Bethell smokes it to deep cover, to the left of the fielder for a couple of runs.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Wide! Shorter and straight down leg. Bethell leaves as it's too high over his head. Ryan Rickelton jumps and collects with one hand.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Easy pickings for the batter in his 90s! Bowls into the pitch on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell shuffles across to get inside the line and tickles it fine to run it towards fine leg for four runs.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Pushes it full and slanting on leg. Joe Root helps it to deep square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, FOUR! Authoritative from Joe Root! Bosch bowls into the surface outside off, but the ball sets up nicely for the batter. Root stays back and pulls it over mid-wicket firmly for four runs.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Short in length and on middle and off. Joe Root guides it wide of third man for a couple of runs.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Hard length around off, Joe Root gets inside the line and nudges it across towards square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running between the wickets.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, QUICK SINGLE! Too full and on middle and leg, Joe Root flicks it to the right of mid-wicket. The fielder picks up and throws it at the batter's end but misses. A single.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Bowls it wider outside off on a length, Bethell slashes it towards deep point for a single.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Bethell moves to 90! Nandre Burger overpitches and bowls it outside off. Bethell creams it firmly through exra cover and it races to the fence.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Back of a length, around middle and leg, Root drops it in front of mid on with soft hands and takes a quick run.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Plays with soft hands! Angles in a length ball on middle, Joe Root opens the face of the bat and plays it just around the stumps.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, On the fuller side over off, Root looks to flick that across but closes his bat face early on . The ball catches the outside edge and runs down to the left of deep point. Two runs taken in the meantime.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, A hard length delivery, angled across outside off. Bethell chops it to deep backward point for a couple.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Leg bye! Fuller on the pads, Root fails to lay any bat on it, as the ball brushes the pads and rolls behind on the leg side. Both batters take a leg bye.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Fractionally short and on middle. Joe Root pulls it off the inner half of the blade to mid-wicket.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Touch fuller over off, Root jams it straight back to the bowler, who does well to get out his left hand to make the stop on his follow-through.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Leg bye! Desperate review! Touch fuller and skidding on the pads. Bethell seems to miss his flick and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. South Africa appeal but the review shows it was pitching outside the line. Well, outside the line.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Length delivery, around middle and leg, Root nudges it fine towards deep fine leg for an easy single.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Smashed away! Excellent shot! Codi Yusuf gives ample of width outside off. Jacob Bethell hammers it through extra cover for a boundary.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, JUST SHORT! Codi bowls the bumper outside off, over off and doesn't give pace on it. Root drags it towards deep square leg, but hits it aerially, and it falls just short of the fielder in the deep. 250 is up for the England team.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Very full and on middle and leg, Bethell works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Around middle and leg, on a length, Root flicks it across to deep square leg for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Shapes in a length ball from wide of the crease on leg. Bethell helps it wide of short fine leg for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, On a good length, closer at the batter, Bethell steps out and strokes it straight down to mid off.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, A single to end a 14-run over! Tossed up on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, SIX! Jacob Bethell gets into the act now! Brevis gives it a flight around middle, Bethell sees the flight and puts on his dancing shoes to smash it over long on for a biggie. Gets the timing and elevation right for maximum runs.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Flatter delivery, outside off, turns away. Joe Root slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, FOUR! Put away nicely from Joe Root! Brevis keeps it short at the stumps, Root anticipates the length early on, and pulls it to the wide of mid on for four runs.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Slows up the fuller delivery on the pads, Bethell tickles it to square leg for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Loopy delivery over off, Joe Root drives it off the front foot towards sweeper cover for one.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries from Bethell! He races to 70! This is short in length and on middle and leg, Bethell pulls it firmly tthrough square leg and beats the diving effort from the man in the deep as well.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Gets in the gap this time, does Jacob Bethell! Codi drops it on a fuller length and outside off, Bethell plants his front foot forward and strokes it through the covers region for four runs. Temba Bavuma from mid off gives it a good chase, but the ball wins the race in the end.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Codi Yusuf bowls it tight on the legs from around the wicket, very full. Bethell makes room and punches it to cover.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Angles into the batter and brings the stump into play, on a good length. Bethell bunts it across towards short mid-wicket for a dot.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Well outside off, Joe Root plays it nicely to third man for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Wide! Sees Joe Root skipping down the track and Codi Yusuf bangs it really short, Root leaves for a wide.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Hurls it on a length around the pads, Bethell clips that away off the pads towards square leg for a run.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Brings out the sweep! Tossed up on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell works it to deep square leg for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Loops it up, fuller and straighter at the stumps, Bethell blocks it off the front foot.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Very full and on middle and leg, drifts in a bit. Joe Root turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, and Root guides it towards backward point on this occasion.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Loops it full and around off, Joe Root drives it slightly uppishly and to cover.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Floated, full and around leg, Bethell turns it away on the leg side for a run.

Drinks break! England are in a pristine position to score more than 350 runs here. They have two set batters at the crease, who have just surpassed their fifties as well and with the likes of Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks still to come, they will be looking to keep accelerating till the death. South Africa have spilled a couple of chances and seem to be paying a hefty price but they are in desperate need of wickets in order to have a chance and keep England to somewhere around 320-330.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, FOUR! Slashed over the infield! Wiaan Mulder gives width and bangs it short, outside off. Joe Root cuts it uppishly and over point for a boundary. A delivery against the field and the 100-run stand is up between these two.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Angled into the left-hander, fuller and straight on the pads line, Bethell taps it in the vacant mid on region for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, That's fifty for Joe Root! Back-to-back fifties for the Englishman. Number 44 in ODIs! The giant of the game reaches the landmark by nudging it to square leg for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Wide! Short again and the umpire doesn't like it again! On middle and Joe Root lets it go for a wide.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Wide! Wiaan Mulder serves it short and it climbs off the surface, outside off. Joe Root leaves it alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Fullish length and stays around the leg side, Root flicks it, but straight towards short mid-wicket.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Hard length delivery, slanting on top of off. Joe Root punches it late to point.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, In the channel on off, the ball kicks off a bit as well, Bethell does well to drop it beside the strip on the off side and takes a quick run.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, The leg-breaker, slightly short and on middle, Jacob Bethell turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Touch shorter at the stumps, Bethell backs away and plays it out to covers.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Dewald Brevis bowls it very full and on middle and leg. Jacob Bethell eases it back to the bowler.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, SIX! Stylish from Jacob Bethell! Brevis drops it full and right at the hitting arc, Bethell takes a stride forward and just lofts it over the bowler's head with a straight bat for a biggie.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Bowls it touch fuller and outside off. Joe Root punches it through covers for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, FIFTY for Jacob Bethell and it's been a watchful innings from him till now! On the shorter side and around the leg, Bethell swats it towards deep square leg for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Banged in short over middle, Jacob Bethell reaches over his head and pulls the ball down through mid-wicket for a single and moves on to 49 with that. The 200 also comes up for England.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Dishes out a low full toss on the pads, Bethell wrists it through mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Hits the hard length again and bowls it over off, Jacob Bethell stands tall and punches it in front of covers, where the fielder makes a sharp stop.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Hard-length delivery, angled into the batter, Bethell backs away past the leg stump to open up the off side but fails to get it through the infield.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Good bumper! Bowled from around the wicket and banged in short over middle, angling it in. Jacob Bethell ducks under it well.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Keeps it around off, on a length, Root walks across to nudge it towards deep square leg for a single.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, A tidy start from Dewald Brevis, just 2 runs off it. Nagging length, pushed through on middle and leg, Bethell pushes it back to the bowler.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, On the shorter side, around middle, turns into the batter, Bethell strokes it towards short mid-wicket and fails to get a single on this.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Flatter again, on a length and on middle, Root rocks back and heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Dewald Brevis to Joe Root, Tad shorter and just outside off, Root backs away and cuts it straight to backward point.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Flatter delivery, lands it outside leg, Bethell presses back and clips it wide of square leg for one.

Dewald Brevis to Jacob Bethell, Drops it fuller on the pads, Bethell pushes it back towards the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Banged in short over middle, pulled down and in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Fullish length and around middle and leg, Bethell gets a bit squared up to drive it down to mid off.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, PUT DOWN! A second dropped catch from South Africa, very uncharacteristic and Jacob Bethell gets a life now. Short of a length from Mulder and just outside off, Bethell rocks back to pull it flat over mid on but hits it a few inches above the ground and straight to Nandre Burger at mid on. Burger dives in front and completely misses it as the ball ends up hitting him on the wrists. This could prove to be very costly for South Africa.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, IN THE AIR and lands SAFE. Mulder bends his back and bowls into the surface outside off, Bethell shapes to pull that across but the ball takes the top edge and flies behind the keeper. Two runs taken in the meantime.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, A bit fuller and around off, driven on the up but straight to mid off.

Wiaan Mulder to Jacob Bethell, Three-quarter length, just around off, Bethell defends it out off the front foot.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Full and straight, but on the pads, Joe Root gets inside the line and clips it very fine down to fine leg and picks up a boundary. Corbin Bosch is seen visibly frustrated, probably regretting his decision to go for that straight yorker.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Hurls it on a good length, around off, Root drills it towards mid on for a dot.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Short of a length around leg, doesn't quite rise up as expected and Bethell just swings it away behind square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Keeps it outside off, on a hard length, Root steers it late towards third man for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Hard length over the stumps, Root looks to lean across and flicks it away but mistimes it in front of mid-wicket.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Pushed across the left-hander, fuller and just outside off, Bethell jams it towards deep point and scrampers to the other end.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, That one surprised Bethell! A skiddy short ball, aimed at the batter and this one bounced a bit extra. Bethell got late on the pull and just about jammed it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Goes a touch fuller and slides it over off, Bethell drives it firmly down to mid off.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Good length around the top of off, shovelled across through the square leg region for a single by Root.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, On top of off, on a length, Root walks towards it and strokes it down to mid on.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Hard length in the channel, just angled down to deep third for an easy single.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Bowls it from round the wicket, and keeps it on a shortish length, around off, Jacob Bethell stands tall to pull it across right in front of square for a brace.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Back of a length and outside off, Joe Root leans back and forces the cut shot behind backward point and picks up a brace as well. England are 179/2 at the halfway stage. Is 400 on the cards?

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Wide! Length ball, slipped down the leg side. Root misses the flick and a wide is called.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Leg bye! Delivers it fuller and on the pads, Bethell misses to tickle on that as the ball hits the pads and dribbles beside the strip on the leg side. The batters takes a leg bye.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Good length outside off, Root leans across and runs it off the bottom edge down to deep third for one more.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Bashes the hard length, around middle and leg, Bethell gets on top and nudges it to wide of mid on and takes a quick run.

Corbin Bosch to Jacob Bethell, Hits the deck hard and bowls it around middle, Bethell stays back and defends it right under the eyes.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Bosch keeps it around off on a length, Root gets on his toes to turn it across to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Jacob Bethell is toying with the field. Good-length delivery, just outside off, Bethell waits back well and just nudges it fine and down to deep third to pick up four more runs.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Bowls it on a good length over off, Root walks down the pitch to punch it towards the left of mid on and sets off for a quick run.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Good work in the deep! Length ball on the pads, flicked away firmly down to deep backward square leg. Tristan Stubbs from deep square leg runs to his right and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Good-length delivery, outside off, Root leans forward and chops it towards backward point.

Codi Yusuf to Jacob Bethell, Bowled on a hard length and into the pads, Bethell tucks it down to long leg and rotates the strike.

Codi Yusuf to Joe Root, Hard length over middle and leg, Root nicely tucks it towards square leg for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Floated up around off stump, punched away sweetly but straight to extra cover by Bethell.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Jacob Bethell times the reverse sweep to perfection on this occasion! Maharaj bowls it wide outside off, pushed across on a full length, Bethell gets underneath the bounce of the ball and plays the reverse sweep over backward point for four runs.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Beaten! Hangs it up around off and gets it to drift away from the left-hander. Jacob Bethell looks to drive but is well beaten.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Quicker, fuller at the stumps, Root looks to play the reverse sweep, but ekes out a bottom edge towards short third for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Played very fine! Flighted ball on leg, Jacob Bethell sits down and gets inside the line, scooping it down to fine leg. Nandre Burger has to run a long way around to his left and the batters do well to pick up three runs.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Slides it onto the right-hander, on a fuller length, Root turns this away towards deep fine for a run.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Spoils the over for Burger with that boundary, does Bethell. Banged in short and over off, Bethell swivels on his toes, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down, just in front of square leg and picks up a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Hurls it on a fuller length, straight at the stumps, Bethell stroke it down to mid on for a dot.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Fuller in length and on off, angling back in, Bethell lunges and pushes it towards mid off.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Bowls a slower bumper over off, Root reads the change of pace and pulls it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a run. 150 also comes up with that single for England.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Dug in short and attacking the bodyline, Bethell tries to get out of the way but gets it off the ribs and the ball trickles down to backward square leg. They pick up a leg bye.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Length delivery and outside off, Root prods forward and runs it to deep point for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Good length outside off, caressed square through the off side for one more. 8 easy runs off the over.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Tosses it up, fuller and around the pads, Joe Root gets down on his knees to paddle it fine on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, On a shorter length and around off, Bethell rocks back and swats it down to long on for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Keeps it fuller and around off, Jacob Bethell knocks it towards backward point for a point.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Bowled from around the wicket, darted in towards the pads, Jacob Bethell keeps it out.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Jacob Bethell puts this away nicely! Fractionally short, around off, turns into the batter, Bethell rocks back to punch it through cover-point for four runs.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Good over from Burger. A rare over where the boundary didn't come by! Quicker and attacking the stumps. Root turns it to the leg side for no run.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Bangs it short and well-directed on middle. Joe Root pulls in front of his head but finds mid-wicket.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Excellent fielding! Short in length and on middle, Joe Root pulls it to deep square leg. The fielder runs to his left, dives and flicks it in time to stop it from running away.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, This is full and around off, Joe Root rocks back to flick but finds mid-wicket.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Nandre Burger goes tad fuller and outside off, gives width and Joe Root plants his front foot across to punch but finds cover.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Flatter delivery on middle and leg. Joe Root plays with soft hands to cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, SIX! LOFTED AWAY! Boundaries continue to come regularly. Jacob Bethell takes the charge, settles to this length delivery and hits it over long on for a biggie.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, BEATEN! Well bowled! Flatter and into the surface, around off, it skids on. Jacob Bethell hangs back to work it on the off side but misses.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Quicker and fuller delivery, comes with the angle on middle, Joe Root drives it to long off for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, A single now as Jacob Bethell plays it to long on.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Very full and on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell flicks it to mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, MISFIELD! Floats it very full and on middle, Joe Root turns it past mid-wicket, through fielder's hand for a single.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, TAP AND RUN! Smart cricket! A length delivery close to the off pole. Joe Root drops it in front of cover and rushes across for a single.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, On the pads, too straight. Jacob Bethell works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Jacob Bethell hits his first boundary! Rides the bounce! This is short and on middle, pulled stylishly over square leg for a boundary..

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, From around the wicket, a bit wide of the crease and angling on middle, Joe Root turns it to deep square leg for a single.

Nandre Burger to Jacob Bethell, Good length delivery, outside off. Jacob Bethell punches it to deep point for a single.

Nandre Burger to Joe Root, Nandre Burger starts with one shaping on leg, Joe Root tickles it to fine leg for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Near the 3-meter length, outside off. Joe Root plays it square of the wicket for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Pushes it full and on middle, bit too full and Joe Root pushes it to cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, Jacob Bethell is off the mark as he turns this fuller delivery to long on for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jacob Bethell, On a driving length and bowls it around off. Jacob Bethell hits it well but straight to cover.

Jacob Bethell is the next batter in.

Keshav Maharaj to Jamie Smith, OUT! TAKEN! Corbin Bosch takes a deep breath as he takes the catch. Keshav Maharaj induces a mishit. Loops it up, on a good length and a bit on leg, Smith comes down the track to go big but miscues it to long on where Corbin Bosch gets underneath, on his knee holds onto it. Finally, South Africa get rid of Jamie Smith.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Quicker, very full and on middle, Joe Root punches it to long off for a single. Keshav Maharaj not happy with the field.

Drinks break! This is just the start England would have wanted and with just one wicket down, they now have the opportunity to keep attacking through the middle overs as well. Jamie Smith has had a life but has played some glorious shots and Joe Root is slowly getting into his stride. South Africa need wickets and they need a few in succession as England bat very deep and a score of well over 300 runs seems to be on the cards. Let's see if the Proteas can pull things back in the next phase.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Two dots to end the over well. Keeps it short and bowls close to the helmet. Smith looks to pull but misses.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, BEATEN! Much better! Wiaan Mulder bowls the hard length and generates some extra bounce, climbs around off and cuts Smith in half as he bends back to ramp it but misses.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, TWO MORE! Excellent stop! Touch fuller and a bit of extra pace on middle, Smith heaves it over mid-wicket. The fielder from long on runs to his right and dives to stop it.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, A bit short and slanting on leg, Smith chips it uppishly and to the left of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Not sure if South Africa have this plan to bowl on leg or they are missing the target. Short in length and on leg, pulled to fine leg for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Slides it on a length and on leg, Smith clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jamie Smith, 8 runs off Keshav Maharaj's first over. Tossed up on middle, Smith punches it to long on for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Keshav Maharaj is guilty of bowling on the leg too. Flighted a bit but errs in line and bowls it on leg. Smith flicks it with great timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, One more run as Joe Root plays it to mid on.

Keshav Maharaj to Jamie Smith, Attacking the stumps, fuller and on middle, eased to long on for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Jamie Smith, Loops it full and on middle and leg, Smith turns it to mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj to Joe Root, Keshav Maharaj tosses it up on middle, Joe Root drives it while making a bit of room to long off for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, FIFTY for Jamie Smith! The drop has proved to be costly. Jamie Smith has done everything right since then. Back of a length and on leg. Smith plays it to deep square leg for a brace. Raise of the bat from Jamie Smith and Brendon McCullum applauds the effort.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Wiaan Mulder keeps it on a length and bowls on middle, Smith clips it to mid-wicket.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, FOUR! 100 up for England and it comes in style. Solid shot from Smith! Good length delivery on leg, nothing wrong with the delivery. Smith makes a bit of room and punches it through covers for a wonderful boundary.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Wide! Too short and too high this time. Smith leaves it alone for a wide.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Smith takes the risk! A bumper on top of Smith's head. Smith pulls it over the man at mid-wicket and wide of the fielder in the deep for a couple. Good fielding in the deep as the fielder slides to his left and stops.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Short of a length and on top of off. Smith drops it to cover.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Wiaan Mulder bowls it on a length and outside off, Joe Root steps across and taps it late to third man for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Sliding on middle and leg again, Smith flicks it past mid-wicket for a couple of runs. South Africa need to execute their plans a bit better.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Good length delivery, tight on the middle pole. Smith leans a bit and defends.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, FOUR! MORE RUNS! Clearly, South Africa are having a bad day on the field! Short of a length delivery on middle and leg. Smith bunts it through mid-wicket and it rolls to the fence.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, SIX! HELPED AWAY AGAIN! This is too easy for a player who have a strong leg side game. Corbin Bosch bowls into the surface and shapes it on the left of the helmet.  Smith pulls it behind squae on the leg side for a biggie.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Goes a bit full and on middle, Joe Root clips it firmly to deep square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Leg bye! South Africa have been too straight with the line! Bowls it on the pads. Smith misses his flick and it rolls off the pads to fine leg.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, A single to end the over as Smith flicks it to deep square leg.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Slightly short and on middle and leg. Smith hops and defends it out.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Helped away! Easy pickings! Slanting on the pads, a bit too straight. Smith helps it on its way, fine past fine leg for a boundary. Boundaries flowing. Jamie Smith making most of the lifeline given.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, JUST SHORT! Again, a short ball from Wiaan Mulder. Smith pulls it hard and a bit flat to mid-wicket where Aiden Markram stops right in front of him.

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Wiaan Mulder mixes his length and goes short, this is around off, Smith stands tall, rides the short ball and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a couple more.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Hard length delivery, outside off. Joe Root dabs it to third man for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Solid from Bosch! Good length delivery, attacking the stumps. Smith gets behind the line and solidly defends.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Bowls the hard length and on middle and leg. Smith hangs back and keeps it out on the leg side.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Drops it in short and on middle and leg. Joe Root pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Shapes in a length ball on the pads. Smith clips it down to fine leg for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, DROPPED! You can't drop such an easy catch. Corbin Bosch drags his length a long way and bangs it short on off, Jamie Smith tries to clip it but gets a leading edge to cover. Matthew Breetzke settles under at cover but fails to take the skier. Should have been taken with ease.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Corbin Bosch angles it in a fuller delivery on the pads. Joe Root flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Powerplay 2 time! Now, South Africa can have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over!

Wiaan Mulder to Jamie Smith, Hard length, in line with the stumps, Smith punches it back to the bowler. England are 67/1 after the first 10 overs.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, A length ball now around off, Joe Root walks down the pitch and gets inside the line before pushing it to the right of mid on for a quick single.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Fuller one at the pads, clipped away straight to square leg.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, A bit of an appeal for LBW from the bowler but it is turned down. Not much enthusiasm from the keeper and Temba Bavuma opts against the review. Nagging length outside off, angling it back in a long way. Root's head falls over as he tries to get inside the line and flick but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, Fuller in length again, this time outside off, Joe Root plays an eye-catching cover drive but fails to pierce the gap.

Wiaan Mulder to Joe Root, FOUR! Pitched up on leg stump, a gentle-paced delivery, Root gets inside the line and tickles it past the keeper down to fine leg for a boundary.

Change. Wiaan Mulder is brought into the attack.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Hard length on middle, Joe Root walks inside the line and turns it away in front of square leg. The fielder at long leg gives a long chase to his left and the batters do well to pick up three runs.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Hard length around off, cutting back in, Root plants his front leg across and tries to run it down to deep third but gets an under-edge back onto the deck.

Corbin Bosch to Joe Root, Goes a bit wider on the crease and hits the hard length, angling it in towards the top of off. Joe Root solidly blocks it off.

Joe Root walks in to bat.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Extra bounce does the trick for Corbin Bosch and Ben Duckett has to depart after a decent start. This is dug in short and a bit quicker as well, angled across off and comes in around helmet height. Duckett leans back to pull but gets a top edge that goes towards mid-wicket. Aiden Markram turns around and takes a few steps forward to take a simple catch and South Africa finally have their first breakthrough.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Hard length over middle, wristed away through square leg by Smith and he picks up a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jamie Smith, Back of a length, bowled into the deck and angled in from outside off. Smith presses back to defend.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Banged in short and outside off, enough room for Ben Duckett to free his arms and he gets on his toes before cutting it in between point and covers for a boundary to end the over.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Hard length in the channel, patted down towards cover.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Fuller in length and around off, Duckett looks to get low and hammer it over mid off but miscues the ball and hits it straight to the mid on fielder.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Nicely bowled! Goes wider on the crease and angles it in from outside off and gets it to straighten pretty late. Duckett has a poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Full and straight, driven straight back with interest but Codi Yusuf manages to get a hand on it on the follow-through. The ball deflects away to covers as the batters take a single.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Oh, that's run away to the fence! Short of a length and around off, Jamie Smith sets up to pull but gets rushed and ends up just jamming it straight back past the bowler and the ball speeds away into the long on fence. The 50 also comes up for England and they are flying out there.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and outside off, tapped away down to backward point.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, Oh, half an appeal but that's gone off the pads. Hard length on middle and leg, shaping back in. Ben Duckett gets beaten past the inside edge and the ball flicks the thigh pad before going to the keeper's left. Ryan Rickelton dives across to pouch it nicely.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, Wide! A quick short ball now, but this is angled down the leg side. Left alone for a wide.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Pulled away baseball-style! Just marginally short and angled across off, Ben Duckett stays low and wallops it away in between mid on and mid-wicket and picks up yet another boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, Goes fuller and pitches it up at the stumps, Duckett plays it back to the bowler.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, FOUR! That deserved to be punished! Too short and wide, no real pace on it either. Ben Duckett hangs back and cuts it firmly through the point region for four runs.

Corbin Bosch to Ben Duckett, Begins from over the wicket and bowls it back of a length on a tight line around off. Duckett taps it back to the bowler.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Drags the length back a bit and gets it to angle in from around middle. Smith plays all around it and gets hit on the thigh pads.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Good-length delivery, in the channel around off, punched away straight to cover by Smith.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, FOUR! That's pierced the gap on the leg side! On a good length, a bit too straight, Jamie Smith gets side-on and clips it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Fuller in length and swinging away a touch  from around off, Smith drives on the up and plays it uppishly towards mid off.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Hard length, around the fourth stump line and cutting back in a bit as well. Smith gets taken aback as he jams it out into the off side.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Yusuf comes around the wicket to the left-hander now and spears it in towards middle and leg. Duckett flicks it down to fine leg and picks up a single.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, Pitched-up delivery, on off, Smith dead-bats it down the track.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Again, the English openers are pouncing on anything wide outside the off stump. Short of a good length and outside off, Smith stands tall, extends the arms and hammers it through covers for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, A touch fuller and on middle, Duckett pushes it gently in front of mid off and scampers through for the single.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Hard length outside off, slashed away by Ben Duckett but straight to Matthew Breetzke at cover-point.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and right at the batter, Duckett gets slightly squared up and jams it out into the off side.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Wide! Length ball again, but this one pitches on leg stump and angles further down for a wide.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Half an appeal for LBW but that's too high. Good length on middle, darts back in sharply. Duckett looks to nudge it leg sde but gets beaten and pinged on the pads.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Shortish length around leg, Duckett looks to flick but pulls out of the shot. The ball clips the hips and goes past the diving keeper towards fine leg. The batters get a leg bye.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, FOUR! That's flown off the bat! Not all that short but pushed wide of the off stump, Ben Duckett backs away and slaps the ball between point and short third for another boundary.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Good length on middle and leg, Duckett prods halfway and defends it back onto the deck.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Hard length again, in the channel outside off. Duckett stands tall looking to brute it through the off side but mistimes it badly to mid off.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Nagging length on off, darting across, Duckett watchfully blocks it off.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Quick hands from Duckett! Hard-length delivery, wide outside off, Duckett waits back and cuts it firmly past the point fielder for another boundary. England starting to kick on nicely now.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, FOUR! BANG! A short ball around off, Jamie Smith picks it up early and hangs back before nailing the pull in front of square leg and it nearly goes the distance.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, FOUR! That's gorgeous from Smith! Length ball, a bit wide outside off, Smith just leans on and creams the ball on the up and through extra covers for a boundary.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, Lovely delivery! Pitches the ball up to the batter and gets it to angle across the off stump. Jamie Smith hangs back and gets caught on the crease as the ball beats the outside edge.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Hard length angled in towards the pads, flicked away wide of mid on for a single by Duckett.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Good length in the channel, at 140 kph, Duckett leans forward and taps it into the off side. That hit the bat quit high and we have seen a bit of extra bounce already when Burger is bowling.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Bread and butter for Duckett! Length ball, drifting onto the pads, Duckett clips it away past square leg and into the vacant fence behind for a boundary.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Oh, beauty! Bowls this one a couple of inches fuller and on off and this one seams away late. Smith gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge. A solid first over in ODIs from Codi Yusuf.

Codi Yusuf to Jamie Smith, Hard length on middle, straightens down the line, Jamie Smith presses back and shows the full face of the bat to make the block.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Good length, on middle and leg, just nipping back in. Duckett stays compact and dabs it in front of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Full and pushed across the off stump, Ben Duckett looks for the booming cover drive but ends up dragging it towards mid on.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Pitches the ball up around off and looks to slant it across, Duckett leans and blocks it to covers.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Short of a length and around the hips, tucked away neatly and wide of the long leg fielder for a couple of runs.

Codi Yusuf to Ben Duckett, Wide! Starts with an extra! Over the wicket to the left-hander, hits a good length around leg but gets the ball to drift down the leg side.

The debutant, Codi Yusuf to bowl from the other end.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, A bit full and a bit too straight, flicked down to fine leg for a single by Duckett. A tidy start from Nandre Burger, just 3 runs off the first over.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Nice and full, sliding it in from around middle, Duckett plays with a relatively straight bat and hits it towards mid on.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Even fuller now and around off, Duckett hangs back and reaches for it, hitting it straight to mid off.

Nandre Burger to Ben Duckett, Oh, nearly gets played on! Pitched up, in and around off, Ben Duckett prods halfway to block but gets an inside edge onto the pads and luckily for him, the ball doesn't roll back onto the stumps.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, Just short! Back of a length and wide outside off, Jamie Smith goes after it but ends up miscuing it off the outer half of the blade towards deep third. Tristan Stubbs comes charging in but can't get to the ball and a single is taken. It seems like Stubbs didn't pick it up until it was too late.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, Wide! A bit of movement on offer. Hard length, outside off and pushed well across. Smith plays and misses and Burger isn't impressed that it is signalled a wide.

Nandre Burger to Jamie Smith, Back of a length to begin with. Burger just angles this one across the right-hander as Smith stands tall and taps it down to the left of point.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of South Africa, who can be seen in a huddle. Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett will open the innings for England as they have throughout this series. The sun is just starting to make more of an appearance through the clouds. It will be Nandre Burger to start proceedings with the ball for the Proteas. Let's play...

UPDATE - 9.53 am GMT - There is a slight delay as confirmed by the match officials. The rain might have lasted for just a few minutes, but the ground staff need to do a bit of mop-up. Play will now start at 10.15 am GMT.

Uh, oh! There is some news coming in from the Rose Bowl regarding the weather and it's not good news. According to a few sources, it has suddenly started pelting down in Southampton and the covers are coming on. The good thing is that it seems like a passing shower and we might not have a delay afterall. Stay tuned for more updates.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder (In for Senuran Muthusamy), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Codi Yusuf (On debut & in for Lungi Ngidi), and Nandre Burger.

England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Will Jacks, Jamie Overton (In for Saqib Mahmood), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid.

TOSS - South Africa have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

Generally, plenty of runs are scored in Southampton's Rose Bowl, and the wicket provides a favorable bounce for the batters to score large runs. Therefore, we might see yet another high-scoring encounter. Stick around as the toss and teams sheets will be up pretty soon.

Under Harry Brook's leadership, the home team's batting lineup appeared to adopt an extremely aggressive stance, which has resulted in a mixed bag of runs in this series. They bundled out at the pitiful score of 131 on the first occasion and nearly chased down 330 on the second. Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Joe Root scored half-centuries in their most recent game but could not turn them into a significant total. Ben Duckett and captain Harry Brook must score some runs at the top to give them a strong start. Jofra Archer has appeared deadly from one end of the bowling spectrum but hasn't received any backing from the other. The bowling team seemed to have done mediocrely in the series aside from Adil Rashid's skill with the ball.

The Proteas' batting lineup has been tearing apart the English bowlers since ball one and appears to be in scorching form. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram have given the team a strong start at the top. They appeared to be a full-fledged, relentless batting force after adding Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, and Matthew Breetzke to the middle order, with Breetzke going on to score a record fifth consecutive score of 50 or more in his first 5 ODIs in the previous game. While expertly leading the spin department, Keshav Maharaj has already taken six wickets in two games, including a four-fer in the opening game. With some encouraging performances from Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi, the seam bowlers have done their share without Kagiso Rabada's assistance.

Hello and warm greetings to everyone joining us, as we gear up for the third and final ODI match of the series between England and South Africa held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The Proteas have continued their dream run in 2025 and have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the ODI series against England and eye a whitewash in the third ODI series.

... MATCH DAY ...

The bandwagon rolls into Southampton for the third and final ODI between England and South Africa at the Hampshire Bowl. The Proteas have already wrapped up the series with back-to-back wins. For Temba Bavuma and his men, it has been a year of milestones as they seem to have made a habit of creating history at Lord’s. Earlier in the year, they lifted the World Test Championship mace there and have now followed it up by securing their first bilateral ODI series win in England since 1998. For England, it is yet another setback in a format where their struggles do not seem to end. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, they have managed to win just one of their six bilateral series in the format. The opener was a one-sided affair, dominated entirely by South Africa, while the second ODI was far more competitive. Chasing 331, the hosts fought hard but fell just six runs short. Looking ahead, Harry Brook and his team will need to reassess their balance after the decision to field only four specialist bowlers backfired at Lord’s. The attempt to fill the fifth bowler’s quota through Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell proved costly, and yet for the third ODI, they have once again opted for just four frontline options. The only change sees Jamie Overton come in for Saqib Mahmood, a move that adds depth with the bat but does little to address the bowling shortfall. On the batting front, the lack of meaningful conversions has been a concern. Harry Brook and Ben Duckett, in particular, have struggled to make an impact and will be eager to change that in Southampton. For South Africa, winning back-to-back ODI series in Australia and now in England without Kagiso Rabada is a remarkable achievement. In his absence, Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi have stepped up admirably. Just as vital has been Keshav Maharaj, who continues to underline why he holds the top spot in the ODI bowling rankings. In both matches, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton have provided solid starts, ensuring South Africa avoided early setbacks at the top. Returning at number four after missing the opener with a hamstring concern, Matthew Breetzke picked up right where he left off. He etched his name into the record books by becoming the first batter in ODI history to score a half-century in each of his first five innings. With the series already secured, the Proteas might look to rotate their squad for the final game. More history beckons for South Africa, who have never completed a clean sweep against England in an ODI series, either at home or away. For the hosts, the focus will be on salvaging pride and carrying some momentum into the upcoming T20I series. Who are you backing to come out on top?