Introduction
The England vs. South Africa 3rd ODI 2025 match at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, will be very exciting. This match is taking place on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, at 10:00 AM (UTC) and is the final match in a three-match ODI series. South Africa leads the ODI series 2-0 so far and has played two fantastic matches against England, and England will be playing hard to regain a bit of respect.
While this match is a "dead rubber" match for the series, both teams have plenty to play for. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) is looking to clean sweep England in an ODI series for the first time in history, and England desperately needs a little confidence with the challenges they are facing in the 50-over format.
England vs. South Africa – ODI Series Review
Before we preview today's clash, let's quickly review the series so far:
- 1st ODI (Headingley): South Africa totally outplayed England. The Proteas bowled out England for just 131 runs, then chased it down with no issues and sealed victory by seven wickets with 175 balls remaining.
- 2nd ODI (Lord’s): A much tighter contest. Chasing 331, England came just six runs short. Joe Root and Jos Buttler were positives for England, but South Africa kept their cool to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series.
South Africa has made history by winning their first ODI series in England since 1998.
Match Details:
- Match: England vs. South Africa, 3rd ODI
- Date: Sunday, September 7th, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM UTC
- Venue: The Ageas Bowl (Rose Bowl), Southampton
- Series: South Africa leads 2-0 (3-match series)
- Win Probability: England 56%, South Africa 44%
England vs. South Africa Head-to-Head in ODIs
| Matches Played | England Won | South Africa Won | Tied/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 30 | 30 | 6 |
The rivalry is squarely balanced in terms of ODI history, so the 3rd ODI could be fun.
Pitch Report – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
The Rose Bowl, in Southampton, is a balanced pitch with some nice evenness for batters and bowlers.
The average score in the first innings: 280–300 is considered par.
Batting conditions: easier once the ball loses its shine; power hitters will dominate in the middle overs.
Bowling conditions: seamers will get some early swing in overcast conditions; spinners will then come into play in the middle overs.
Historical record: teams batting first have won 17 of 37 ODIs played here.
If conditions do not shift, expect a high-scoring game.
Weather Forecast - Southampton
Temperature: 20°C–22°C
Conditions: Partly cloudy with sunny intervals.
Chance of rain: 20% this morning.
Humidity: moderate humidity, which should assist with swing bowling.
Bowlers might get the first hour, and the batting should get easier later.
Probable Playing XIs
England (ENG)
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 (SA)
Aiden Markram
Ryan Rickelton (WK)
Temba Bavuma (C)
Matthew Breetzke
Tristan Stubbs
Dewald Brevis
Corbin Bosch
Senuran Muthusamy
Keshav Maharaj
Nandre Burger
Lungi Ngidi
Team Previews
England Preview
England's ODI blues continue. Since the 2023 World Cup, they have won just one of their last six bilateral ODI series.
Strengths:
The experience and solidity of Joe Root.
Jos Buttler's finishing ability.
Jofra Archer’s pace and wicket-taking threat.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent middle order (Harry Brook under pressure as captain despite limited work).
Fifth bowler issue: Reliance on Will Jacks & Jacob Bethell has leaked runs.
Inability to translate good starts into match-winning innings.
England will be very keen to avoid being whitewashed at home 3-0. Some changes may be in store, with Tom Banton likely replacing Ben Duckett.
South Africa Preview
South Africa looks like a rejuvenated team. Coming off a WTC Final win and ODI series victories in Australia and England, the Proteas are full of confidence.
Strengths:
Well-balanced top order: Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton getting consistent starts.
Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking form (1st player to score 50+ runs in his first 5 ODIs).
Middle-order firepower: Stubbs and Brevis.
Keshav Maharaj: currently the world's No. 1 ODI bowler.
Strong pace attack: Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi have performed well, without Rabada.
Weaknesses:
Spinning control built on the whole team better supported Maharaj.
Under scoreboard pressure, collapse from time to time.
South Africa has made history but now wants more: its first clean sweep against England in ODIs.
ENG vs. SA Betting Odds & Analysis
England Win Counsel: 56%
South Africa Win Counsel: 44%
Best Betting Value: South Africa to win & complete a historic 3-0 series win.
Why back South Africa?
South Africa has won 4 of its last 5 ODIs.
The sake for South African players has been fabulous in all aspects of the game.
South Africa will feel good about itself, having already completed the series win.
Why back England?
Have to win for pride.
Jofra Archer & Adil Rashid look well settled.
In history England tends to bounce back in dead rubber games.
Our tip: South Africa to win and claim a historic 3-0 series win.
Key Players
England
Joe Root—needs to play the anchor role—he needs to turn starts into big innings.
Jos Buttler—England's best finisher and can be dangerous when he settles in.
Jofra Archer—speed weapon for England and important against powerplays & death overs.
South Africa
Matthew Breetzke—record-breaking top-order batter for South Africa.
Keshav Maharaj—world-class spinner & ranked No. 1 bowler in ODIs.
Ryan Rickelton—top-order batter and usually scores quickly.
Betting Tips for ENG vs. SA
Top Batter (England)—Joe Root for 50+ runs.
Top Batter (South Africa)—Matthew Breetzke for another half century.
Most Wickets—Keshav Maharaj is a solid pick.
Toss Prediction—win toss, bowl first (both sides have a preference).
Betting Value—South Africa to win outright
Final Analysis
The 3rd and final ODI between England and South Africa at the Southampton venue is much more than a dead rubber for each side. For England, it is about redeeming their pride, fixing their faults, and recovering from the humiliation of a home series loss. For South Africa, it is about making history and ensuring that they are confident and the most dominant ODI side of 2025.
England has plenty of individuals that can shine but lacks the balance in the overall team and flexible adaptability. In comparison, South Africa has all the look of a complete, confident unit. With the form shown recently, strong momentum leading into this match day, and depth of players to continuously select from, the Proteas remain heavy odds-on favourites to take a 3-0 clean sweep.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win England vs. South Africa 3rd ODI 2025?
- Winner: South Africa
- Margin: 30-40 runs or 5-6 wickets
- Best Bet: Back South Africa to win outright.
Conclusion
The Ageas Bowl is likely to host another thrilling spectacle on the 25th of 2025, as the 3rd ODI between England and South Africa promises to be eye-catching as well. England seems to have the pride on the table while South Africa is on the look out for history. Oddsmakers and betting enthusiasts will find plenty of markets to assess individual selections such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Our final pick: South Africa to complete a 3-0 whitewash.
