England vs South Africa 1st ODI Preview & Tips - England to start ODI series against South Africa with battling win

Ben Darvill

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Last updated: 01 Sep 2025

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Ben Darvill 01 Sep 2025

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England vs South Africa Preview & Tips
England have won their last three ODI's
Preview, stats & head to head

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Harry Brook of England (Getty Images)

England vs South Africa Preview & Tips

England are looking to make a winning return to the cricket field as they play their first One Day International match since they beat the West Indies by seven wickets back in early June.

England vs South Africa Preview & Tips
Head To Head
England Form
South Africa Form

South Africa arrive on the back of a 2-1 ODI series win over Australia, but the shine of this victory was taken away as they were hammered by 276 runs in the final match.

England have won their last three ODI's
South Africa were beaten by 276 runs in their last match against Australia
Ben Duckett averages 49.00 in ODI cricket

Head To Head

South Africa have won six of their last 10 against England, with the latter winning the other four.

England Form

England have been fighting hard to reclaim some sort of semblance of the side that became T20 and ODI world champions at the same time after a lean period saw them lose both crowns in limp defences of their titles.

A run of eight wins in all formats against Zimbabwe, the West Indies and India saw the English begin their own summer in fine style. Their 2-2 draw in a Test series against India took all of the headlines, but they were actually very good in the limited overs game, beating the West Indies with an aggregate score of 6-0 across their T20 and ODI matches.

Their 3-0 series win over the West Indies was much needed as it ended a run of seven successive defeats in the format. Now, England will look to show the up and coming quality in their squad is ready to battle at the highest level.

One player that has been in fine form for England over the last few years is Ben Duckett. Duckett has been a mainstay for this England side with his aggressive style of batting often setting England up well in both run chases and when setting a total. With an average if 49.00 in ODI cricket, I am backing him to notch a half-century in the opener.

South Africa Form

South Africa arrive for their series with England in good form after losing just two of their last seven matches.

Wins over Pakistan, Afghanistan and England were followed by a disappointing loss to New Zealand. They then beat Australia twice before losing in their final game. All in all, this South African side looks in good touch, and they will be confident, with the reigning World Test champions looking to stamp their authority in the ODI format.

However, the worry for me heading into this one is that their last loss to Australia saw their batting and bowling lineup both fail. The Aussies hammered their way to 431/2 before skittling the Proteas for just 155 in 24.5 overs. Perhaps this performance was more 'when it rains it pours', but their collapse was still alarming.

While I do not predict a loss quite as heavy in the first ODI, I do back the travelling side to start slowly in a loss.

Verdict

England v South Africa 1st ODI

I predict that Ben Duckett will star with the bat for England as the home side get their series with South Africa off to a good start.

England

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Ben Duckett 50+ Runs

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