South Africa

AB de Villiers’ 360 bats hit stores — Check where you can grab one today!

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:16:11 GMT

Former South African cricket star AB de Villiers has officially started a new cricket bat business named 360 Bats. He posted on social media, "It's official! So excited to launch my very own bat range—360 Bats. 360 cricket, all around the wicket, all around the world. Coming soon to stores across SA and India." The announcement quickly went viral across the world with cricket fans.

De Villiers, nicknamed “Mr. 360” given his capacity to hit from all angles of the ground, mentioned that the brand represents his style of cricket—fearless, creative, and with a lot of heart. The bats should be available soon in both India and South Africa, where he has played much of his career. India, in particular, remains special for him because of his long stay with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, where he accumulated a very large fan base as one of the most loved overseas players.

The word is out. Reports indicate that the 360 Bats range is crafted to the highest standards of quality utilizing English willow in order to equip players with improved leverage, balance, and greater control on the field while batting. 360 Bats is on a mission to furnish premium-quality cricket equipment for professional suppliers and for youngsters who have a dream to bat like AB de Villiers. The reaction on social media to the news of the launch has already been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that fans share De Villiers' passion to get youngsters batting like their hero.

The new bat series will be available in India and South Africa, the first official launch of De Villiers’ sports equipment brand. However, there are no further details about the time, prices, or stores. Fans are anxiously waiting for details about the bats' availability and where they will be sold in the near future.

It’s official! 🚨 Excited to launch my very own bat range — 360 Bats 🏏🔥

🔄 𝟯𝟲𝟬 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 🔄

Coming in stores across SA and India💥 #360Bats #PlayThe360Way pic.twitter.com/dWqQRRLsCL
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) October 6, 2025

From the Crease to the Company

Since retiring from international cricket these days, ABD has taken the passion that he had for cricket on the field into a new venture in the business world. With 360 Bats, AB de Villiers continues to leverage his reputation and connection to the sport that has made him a global sports icon. In fact, the brand is a reflection of De Villiers' journey—from smashing sixes all around the field to being a key component in the tools and equipment that inspire youngsters to play the game.

With the launch of 360 Bats, De Villiers sends a clear message that although he has stepped away from the crease, he still adores and wants to contribute to the game in all the possible ways he can. 360 Bats will want to liberate youngsters to play their game developed through De Villiers' unique physical capabilities and skill set, all the while playing freely to assert themselves all around the world.

India Cricket 2025-2026: Full Upcoming Match Fixtures & Schedule

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 22:19:35 GMT

Cricket has become more exciting than ever in the world nowadays, and fans always look forward to India’s match schedule from 2025-26. The full schedule for the 2025-26 season has been released, and the Indian team is expected to perform well in all formats, particularly at home. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, but India played its matches in Dubai and won the title by beating New Zealand in the final. After that, the focus shifted to the Tata IPL 2025, which started on March 20 in stadiums across India. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won their first-ever IPL title, giving their fans a season to remember.

The 18th IPL season found the young, talented players, including stars from around the world. It was not only an exciting series for fans but also gave Indian players good practice ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In September, India maintained their winning momentum after defeating Pakistan in Dubai and went on to win the Asia Cup 2025.

🚨 NON STOP CRICKET ACTION FOR INDIAN FANS. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/UbiJXxJZhU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 2, 2025

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India Cricket Upcoming Matches Schedule (Oct 2025 – Jul 2026)

Month	Event / Series
Oct–Nov 2025	India Tour of Australia – 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Nov–Dec 2025	South Africa Tour of India – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Jan 2026	New Zealand Tour of India – 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Feb–Mar 2026	ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Hosted by India & Sri Lanka
Jul 2026	India Tour of England – 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs

South Africa Tour of India 2025 (November – December)

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st Test	14–18 November	Eden Gardens, Kolkata	09:30 AM
2nd Test	22–26 November	Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati	09:30 AM

ODI Series

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st ODI	30 November	Ranchi	01:30 PM
2nd ODI	3 December	Raipur	01:30 PM
3rd ODI	6 December	Visakhapatnam	01:30 PM

T20I Series

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st T20I	9 December	Cuttack	07:00 PM
2nd T20I	11 December	Mullanpur (New Chandigarh)	07:00 PM
3rd T20I	14 December	Dharamsala	07:00 PM
4th T20I	17 December	Lucknow	07:00 PM
5th T20I	19 December	Ahmedabad	07:00 PM

Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Complete Schedule, Teams, Squads, Groups & Live TV Streaming details

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 21:34:09 GMT

The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 will start from November 7 to 9. It’s a exciting sixes hitting cricket tournament, with each team playing six overs per match. In the last season in 2024, 12 international teams took part. They were split into four groups of three teams each, and every team played the other two teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group moved on to the quarter-finals, while the third-placed teams played in the Bowl league.

The two best teams from the Bowl league then played in the Bowl final. The winners of the quarter-finals went on to the semi-finals, and the semi-final winners played in the final. Teams that lost in the quarter-finals got another chance in the Plate semi-finals, with the winner moving on to the Plate final.

Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Tournament & Teams Details

Detail	Information
Dates	November 7–9, 2025
Venue	Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong
Format	12 teams, divided into 4 groups; top 2 in each group qualify for quarterfinals
Matches	29 games across three days

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Full Schedule: Hong Kong Sixes 2025

Day 1 – Friday, November 7, 2025

Time (HKT)	Match	Pool
08:15–09:10	Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, China	D
09:10–10:05	England vs UAE	B
10:05–11:00	Pakistan vs Kuwait	C
11:00–11:55	Afghanistan vs Nepal	A
11:55–12:50	Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, China	D
12:50–13:45	Australia vs UAE	B
13:45–14:40	South Africa vs Afghanistan	A
14:40–15:35	Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh	D
15:35–16:30	India vs Pakistan	C
16:30–17:25	England vs Australia	B

Day 2 – Saturday, November 8, 2025

Time (HKT)	Match	Stage
08:15–09:10	South Africa vs Nepal	Pool A
09:10–10:05	India vs Kuwait	Pool C
10:05–11:00	A3 vs D3	Bowl M1
11:00–11:55	B3 vs C3	Bowl M2
11:55–12:50	B1 vs D2	Q Final 1
12:50–13:45	A1 vs C2	Q Final 2
13:45–14:40	A3 vs C3	Bowl M3
14:40–15:35	B3 vs D3	Bowl M4
15:35–16:30	D1 vs B2	Q Final 3
16:30–17:25	C1 vs A2	Q Final 4

Day 3 – Sunday, November 9, 2025

Time (HKT)	Match	Stage
08:15–09:10	A3 vs B3	Bowl M5
09:10–10:05	LQ1 vs LQ2	Plate SF1
10:05–11:00	LQ3 vs LQ4	Plate SF2
11:00–11:55	C3 vs D3	Bowl M6
11:55–12:50	WQ1 vs WQ2	Cup SF1
12:50–13:45	WQ3 vs WQ4	Cup SF2
13:45–14:40	TBA vs TBA	Bowl Final
14:40–15:35	WM22 vs WM23	Plate Final
15:35–16:30	WM25 vs WM26	Cup Final

Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Telecast Details

Platform	Details
Fancode	Live streaming of matches
Cricket Hong Kong YouTube Channel	Free live streaming on YouTube

South Africa likely to reduce T20I series against West Indies to prepare for 2026 World Cup

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:33:53 GMT

Cricket South Africa (CSA) might have to shorten their only men’s home series this summer against West Indies to ensure both teams can reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on time. The Proteas are scheduled to host the West Indies for five T20Is between January 27 and February 6. However, the T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with the ICC’s support period, when teams arrive and play optional warm-up matches, starting January 31, earlier than the initially planned February 3.

CSA had originally planned their home fixtures assuming there would be enough time for South Africa to travel to the World Cup hosts. While it’s not mandatory for teams to use the entire support period at the venues, the ICC asks nations to specify how many warm-up matches they want, ranging from zero to two. Only if a team opts for two warm-up matches does the support period extend to one week before the tournament.

CSA is currently discussing with Cricket West Indies when the visitors want to arrive in the subcontinent and how many warm-up games they plan to play. If no warm-up matches are requested, the support period would start February 3, giving South Africa limited time to complete the series.

Impact on the SA vs WI Series

Even if West Indies feel the series in South Africa is enough preparation for the World Cup, the Proteas may have to cancel at least the last two T20Is, scheduled for February 4 and 6. Preponing the series isn’t possible since the SA20 league ends on January 25.

South Africa also have a relatively light home schedule this summer as venues are being prepared for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with drop-in pitches being developed. CSA's calendar will be busier next season, as it will draw on ten home Tests (eight men’s, two women’s), including a series against Australia and England. This careful planning shows CSA is trying to maintain its home series while preparing for a World Cup.

Star International player to come out of retirement: Know who he is

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:45:53 GMT

Selectors in South Africa have created a huge surprise by calling up Quinton de Kock for the all-format tour of Pakistan. The wicketkeeper-batter stepped away from One-Day Internationals after the 2023 World Cup in India, but he has now reversed that decision and will wear the Proteas jersey again in the 50-over format.

The 32-year-old was one of South Africa's most prolific ODI batters over the last decade, amassing more than 6,700 runs with 21 centuries, which is joint-third for his country. He ended the 2023 World Cup on a high with four centuries and 594 runs overall, finishing as the tournament's third-highest run-scorer. Since the World Cup, de Kock has been involved in T20 cricket, both at the international level and franchise leagues around the world, but has not played any ODIs.

De Kock's return was confirmed on Monday when Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the squads for the all-format tour, which consists of a two-match Test series, three T20Is, and three ODIs against Pakistan.

"A Significant Help": Coach Conrad on De Kock's Reversal

South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, appreciated de Kock's reversal and felt the recent conversations made it clear, the left-hander still has the desire to play at the top level.

"Getting Quinton back in the white-ball space is a significant help for us," said Conrad. "When we chatted a month ago about what the future holds for him, it was clear that he still has a clear desire to play for his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the team, so having him in your line-up can only help."

De Kock last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup Final vs India in 2024. He has not retired officially from T20s, but he has not been picked for squads under former coach, Rob Walter. His selection means a new beginning with Conrad's vision for the white-ball teams.

Bavuma Out of Action, Several Captains Named

This tour will also mark the beginning of South Africa’s defence of their World Test Championship (WTC) title. However, they will do so without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who is still recovering from a calf strain suffered during the England tour.

In Bavuma’s absence, South Africa have implemented a split-captaincy for the series:

Aiden Markram is set to captain the Test side.
David Miller to captain the T20I side.
Matthew Breetzke is set to captain the ODI side.
Additionally, Donovan Ferreira has also been named captain for the one-off T20I against Namibia in Windhoek on 11 October.

This approach captures South Africa’s thinking in trying to manage workloads and giving younger players an opportunity to lead.

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Squads for Pakistan Tour

Test squad vs Pakistan
Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj* (2nd Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.

T20I squad vs Pakistan
David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI squad vs Pakistan
Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

T20I squad vs Namibia (Oct 11, Windhoek)
Donovan Ferreira (captain), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams.

Tour Schedule

Tests

October 12-16: 1st Test – Pakistan vs South Africa, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
October 20-24: 2nd Test – Pakistan vs South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

T20Is

October 28: 1st T20I – Rawalpindi
October 31: 2nd T20I – Lahore
November 1: 3rd T20I – Lahore

ODIs

November 4: 1st ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
November 6: 2nd ODI – Faisalabad
November 8: 3rd ODI – Faisalabad

Significance for South Africa

De Kock's inclusion adds further experience to what is otherwise a fairly young South African white-ball setup. The likes of Miller, Brevis, and Breetzke, combined with de Kock's experience, provide balance as the Proteas continue preparations for future ICC events.

The tour will also test South Africa's depth in leadership with four different captains identified across the formats. Markram will lead the way in red-ball, while Miller and Breetzke will have the chance to lead South Africa into its next phase in white-ball cricket. As for de Kock, it is the chance to write a new chapter in his ODI career, one that many thought had closed down on Indian soil two years ago.

Highest Team Totals in T20I History ft. England 2025

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:10:19 GMT

One great thing about T20 cricket is that it always has an element of unexpectedness associated with it. It is proportionate to free-style cricket, and the players take the field intending to maximise the output. A format that batters have dominated since its inception knows no constraints, and over the years, it has only upheld this assertion. Run-scoring has become a cakewalk, and bowlers' lives have turned into a mayhem. With the usage of modern-day batting equipment, coupled with smaller ground boundary dimensions and field restrictions, the sky is the limit for the batting sides. Team totals have exceeded all predictions, normalcies, and their highest aggregation is the only and safest way to play the game.

In a recent incident, the latest of all and one of a kind, the iconic Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, became witness to a record-breaking and beast run scoring by the English team. England have been hosting South Africa for a T20 International (T20I) series, and in the second game played out on a chilly Mancunian evening (12th September 2025), the former went berserk. Scaling new T20I peaks, their batters splurted explosives on the Proteas, taking the attack to the opposition, and eventually went on to score 304 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets. This total became the third instance of a team passing 300 in T20Is, the third highest score of all time, and the first such time achieved against an International Cricket Council (ICC) full member side, the previous highest being India's 297/6 against Bangladesh at Hyderabad in 2024.

Some statistical narratives from England's run fest are firsts in the circuit of the shortest format of our beautiful sport. Phil Salt, 141 runs unbeaten off 60 balls, and Jos Buttler, 83 runs off 30 balls, hammered the rainbow nation's bowlers to all corners of the ground, on their way towards establishing an opening partnership of 126 runs in mere 47 deliveries. Also, since the records have been kept, 166/1 by England at the halfway stage is the highest ever total struck at the end of the 10th over in a T20I fixture. Moreover, 12.1 overs taken by them to reach the 200 mark is the earliest a team has got to that milestone across all the T20 games. Last but not least, the terrific first wicket stand between the Lancashire pair at a run-rate of 16.06 is the highest ever for a century-plus opening partnership in a T20I by a full member nation.

Well that was something else 👏

We post our highest ever Men's IT20 innings score! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2Pve5QwYtl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 12, 2025

A look at the highest team totals smashed in T20I history

TEAM	TOTAL	OPPOSITION	VENUE	YEAR	TOURNAMENT
Zimbabwe	344/4	Gambia	Nairobi (Ruaraka)	2024	T20 World Cup (WC) Qualifier
Nepal	314/3	Mongolia	Hangzhou	2023	Asian Games
England	304/2	South Africa	Manchester	2025	T20I Series
India	297/6	Bangladesh	Hyderabad	2024	T20I Series
Zimbabwe	286/5	Seychelles	Nairobi (Gym)	2024	T20 WC Qualifier
India	283/1	South Africa	Johannesburg	2024	T20I Series
Afghanistan	278/3	Ireland	Dehradun	2019	T20I Series

England vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Highlights: Phil Salt’s 141* powers England to record 146-Runs Win

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:03:22 GMT

England delivered a sentational performance to stun South Africa by a huge margin of 146 runs in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester. After being asked to bat first, England scored a record 304/2 in 20 overs, the highest T20I total of all time. The wrecker in chief was Phil Salt, who starred with a destructive innings of 141* off only 60 balls, hitting 16 fours along with 8 maximums. Jos Buttler scored a quick 83 and Harry Brook finished with a 41*, leaving South Africa bewildered. Jos Buttler and Phil Salt went hard at the Proteas from the start. Their blistering partnership of 126 runs brought South Africa’s game plan to a heels in the powerplay. Salt was relentless, targeting both pace and spin, ensuring the momentum never dipped. Bjorn Fortuin picked up the two wickets to fall, dismissing Buttler and Jacob Bethell, but there was no respite for South Africa as Harry Brook joined Salt to keep the scoreboard racing beyond 300.

England’s intent was clear, they wanted to stamp authority on the series. Their ability to maintain an incredible strike rate throughout the innings showed the depth and fearlessness in their batting line-up. Salt’s innings was one of the finest seen in T20Is, while Buttler’s leadership with the bat ensured England kept piling the runs. Even the experienced Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen had no answers, conceding heavily as England went past 300 for the first time in T20I history.

ENG vs RSA: South Africa tumble under score board pressure

In response, South Africa’s batting faltered under the enormous pressure of chasing such a gigantic total. England's premier pacer Jofra Archer drew first blood by removing Ryan Rickelton followed by youngster Lhuan-dre Pretorius, leaving the visitors reeling. Aiden Markram played a counter-attacking knock of 41, while Dewald Brevis tried to provide fireworks, but their resistance was short-lived. The scoreboard pressure proved too much, and wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.

England’s bowlers kept things tight despite the cushion of runs. Archer was superb with three wickets, while Sam Curran and Liam Dawson chipped in with two apiece. Adil Rashid’s clever variations added further misery for South Africa as they were bundled out for 158 in just 16.1 overs. The 146-run victory is now England’s biggest-ever win in T20 internationals, a statement performance that underlined their strength in both batting and bowling departments.

CricketWinner’s Analysis

This was a performance that will make every team in world cricket sit up and take notice. While the batting heroics of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler stole the spotlight, England’s ability to maintain an unrelenting tempo across all 20 overs was staggering. However, while such dominance against South Africa is impressive, questions will be asked about whether this aggressive brand of batting can hold up under pressure against teams like India and Australia in crunch Asia Cup and World Cup matches.

For South Africa, this was an eye-opener. Their bowlers looked battered and lack of options against the power-hitting barrage, but the real concern is with the lack of application in their batting. Chasing 300 was a bridge too far, but a collapse within 17 overs for 158 suggests not only technical but mental deficiencies as well. Unless they work things out quickly, South Africa look like they could get whitewashed. For England, on the other hand, the combination looks perfect between an explosive batting line-up and a world-class bowling attack.

'I’ll Never Understand America' - Faf du Plessis slams U.S. gun laws after Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:59:10 GMT

Former South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis has expressed his grief and shock following the tragic death of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA was shot dead while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance when the incident occurred, sending the gathering into chaos.

According to authorities, Kirk was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from a rooftop some distance away. The shooting took place while he was answering questions under a tent as part of his American Comeback Tour. The crowd quickly descended into panic, with many fleeing the venue, while others ducked for cover amid the confusion.

News of Kirk's assassination travelled fast and a storm of outrage and grief meant that condolences and condemnation were coming in from America, Europe and Africa as public figures and world leaders reacted quickly and vocally to an abhorrent act of violence.

Faf du Plessis’ Strong Words on Gun Laws

Among those who responded was Faf du Plessis, who took to social media with a short but powerful message. He condoled Kirk’s death and questioned America’s gun culture, wondering why firearm access is so easy in the country. “RIP Charlie Kirk. I’ll never understand America and why everyone can just have a gun.🙏,” the former cricketer tweeted, sparking widespread discussion.

RIP Charlie Kirk. I’ll never understand America and why everyone can just have a gun. 🙏
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) September 11, 2025

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the assassination. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a suspect initially detained was later released, leaving the case open. U.S. President Donald Trump also mourned Kirk, calling him a “great and even legendary” figure while vowing that those behind the attack would face justice.

England smash records with historic 342-run win over South Africa

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:11:37 GMT

England wrapped up that three-match ODI series against South Africa in a really big way. They got this huge 342-run win at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday. It was kind of historic, you know. Even though they had already lost the series after dropping the first two games. Jos Buttler's team put on a show in the last one. Like, a performance for the ages, basically.

They batted first and just piled on the runs. Ended up with 414 for 5 in 50 overs. That was massive. Jacob Bethell scored a century, 110 runs. Joe Root got 100 too. Those two put together this solid partnership. Left the South African bowlers scratching their heads, no real answers there. Then the middle order came in and finished it off strong. Pushed the total over 400, you know.

Archer leads the charge as England rewrite ODI record books

South Africa had to chase that big number. People figured they'd fight back some, since they batted pretty well in the earlier matches. But nope. Jofra Archer came in hot with his bowling. Fiery spell that blew them away. He took 4 for 18. Dismantled their top order with all that pace and precision. Adil Rashid chipped in with 3 wickets as a spinner. Brydon Carse got 2 with his pace. They all supported each other well. South Africa just crumbled. All out for 72 in only 20.5 overs.

ALSO SEE: On This Day: Birthday of Shubman Gill who became one of the youngest Test captains for team India

England's 342-run win put their name in the history books. It beats everything before in ODIs by runs. They topped India's big 317-run beatdown of Sri Lanka back in 2023. Thing is, no team's ever done better than 340 runs since one-day cricket started in 1971.

South Africa got hit hard here. This loss tops their worst ever in ODIs. It went past that 276-run thrashing from Australia earlier this year. Their batsmen fell apart quick too. That innings lasted only 24.5 overs. Second shortest in ODI records.

Archer got the Player of the Match nod, and he earned it with that killer spell. He talked about it after. He said, "Even before I bowled a ball, I knew it was going to be difficult for them since we scored over 300. I just tried to hit the pitch hard and keep it straight. Playing three games in a row means a lot to me."

England lost the series 2-1 overall. But this massive win in Southampton, you know, it's going to stick in people's minds as a real landmark in ODI cricket.

ENG vs SA 3rd ODI: Toss update and Playing XI

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:28:38 GMT

The three-match ODI series already found the winning team between England and South Africa (ENG vs SA). The third match of the series is a prestige fight for England, as they lost back-to-back two previous games. England's recent run in One Day International has remained unconvincing, even in the home series against South Africa. The third match in Southampton's Rose Bowl can be not easy for batters because of the nature of the wicket and the heavy weather.

Before the match, it was pouring down in Southampton. England, the home team, should try to bat in a consistent and composed way. 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 Harry Brook have failed to impress so far. On the bowling part, Jofra Archer bowled some deadly spells, but he lacked a proper backup.

South Africa's batting lineup so far performed fluently. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram have given the team a strong start at the top, and fireworks from the middle order by Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, or Matthew Breetzke proved enough to tear apart England's bowling line-up.

Toss Update:

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to field first. The wicket can offer natural bounce, especially during the first innings. Under cloudy weather, pace bowlers can enjoy the new ball in the first innings. It is easily understandable why Bavuma preferred to bowl first.

Playing XIs:

South Africa—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—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.