England and South Africa ODI games have always had intense rivalry, and that is reflected by the many monumental encounters in rival encounters in all formats. The second ODI of the upcoming 3-match series, which will be held at Lord’s, the ‘Home of Cricket’ in London, on 04th September 2025, is bound to be nothing short of sensational.

England came into this game under great pressure from their miserable defeat in the first ODI hosting South Africa at Headingley, where they were bowled out for just 131 runs. South Africa delivered clinical performances in every department, comfortably disposing of England for a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. With South Africa 1-0 up in the series, England faces a win-or-go-home scenario in this tied South Africa test series.

England's campaign got off to the worst possible start at Headingley. Batting first, they collapsed against South Africa's disciplined bowling, making just 131 all out. Jamie Smith contributed a fighting half-century (54 off 48 balls), but the rest of the batters did not acclimatize at all to the conditions.

Keshav Maharaj's (4/22) spin bowling created problems for England's batting against spin and kept its middle order in check. Aiden Markram's blistering 86 (55 balls) made chasing down the target fairly routine for South Africa, who completed their victory with relative ease by 7 wickets and stamped their intent on England in the opening match of the series.

For England, it was another indicator of their often hopeless batting collapses that they haven't been able to shake since the 2023 World Cup. For South Africa, it was another indication that they continue to steadily improve in the limited-overs format, attributable to experienced leaders and exciting young players.

The pitch at iconic Lord’s is considered a great batting deck, normally providing pace and bounce at the start of the match. However, by the end of the match, batters will see the seam, and spinners also get involved as the surface becomes more even.

Captains who win the toss will likely bat first and prefer scoreboard pressure and history at the grounds. 

The Proteas are historically ever so slightly ahead, and the way they are playing, they will hopefully make that gap wider.

Since England's disappointing World Cup campaign in 2023, their white-ball woes have continued. Under new leadership from Harry Brook, the areas of improvement are still evident and particularly with their handling of quality spin and middle-order collapses.

South Africa looks to be in a good place to start this one, and their confidence must be flowing after their victory at Headingley. The batting group looks sharp, led by Markram and Rickelton. The spinners are still an important part of the game in English conditions.

Brooks needs to get over some issues against quality spin to enable England's chances of competing.

England will be hoping for early breakthroughs from Archer; Markram's aggressive intent might set the tone again.

This will be an important middle-overs battle as Rashid's variations take on Brevis' power hitting.

England might be slight favorites going into Lord’s, but with South Africa’s current form over the previous few matches and their psychological momentum, they are currently the better team. The Proteas are full of confidence, their bowlers are in rhythm, and Markram is giving everything. England, on the other hand, appears unsettled with selection, fatigue, and ability to absorb pressure.

The hosts may again lose a home series unless their senior batters—Root, Brook, and Buttler—all fire. The Proteas have balance, hunger, and momentum; hence, they should be a better option.

• Predictions: South Africa to win the 2nd ODI and take the series 2-0.

The England vs. South Africa 2nd ODI 2025 at Lord's is going to be an explosive encounter, with England battling to stay alive in the series and the Proteas on the hunt to seal the deal. England's batters will need to step up, and South Africa has to hope they can keep the same clinical form.