Published on: Sep 1, 2025 5:36 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 1, 2025 2:29 pm IST
A major ODI series is all set to embrace the cricketing calendar. South Africa is all set to tour England for a 3-match ODI series followed by a 3-match T20I series. The first of the three ODIs will take place at Headingley in Leeds, followed by games at Lord’s and the Rose Bowl in Southampton. A win in the opening game always sets the tone for the rest of the series; it would be interesting to see how the two sides cope in this game. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI, ENG vs SA, at Headingley, Leeds.
Playing in familiar conditions, the English side should start as favorites in this encounter. However, the form South Africa is in, particularly after taming the mighty Aussies in their own den in an ODI series, keeps their chances of claiming the first ODI afloat. It’s tough to choose between the two sides, but we are slightly in favor of the home team courtesy of their home advantage. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the ENG vs SA 1st ODI at Headingley, Leeds.
SA: 48% win chance ENG: 52% win chance
Matthew Breezke's ODI career has been astonishing so far. In the 4 matches he has played so far, Breetzke has scored 378 runs at a scintillating average of 94.5 and striking above 100. He is the run machine in South Africa's lineup.
The South African skipper scored a fifty in 3 games against Australia in the recently concluded ODI series. In his last 8 innings, Temba has scored 320 runs at an average of 40.
Ben Duckett, the English opener, has been quite successful in recent times in ODI cricket. He has 476 runs to his name from the last 9 matches at a scintillating average of 52.89.
The English skipper will be keen to make a mark in this game and the entire series as well. In the middle order, Brook will be a key figure.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs SA 1st ODI at Headingley, Leeds.
England is quite a formidable unit in home conditions. The team led by Harry Brook is fresh from Men’s Hundred and would be eager to prove their mettle at home against a tough opponent like South Africa. The last time South Africa made a trip to England was in the year 2022; the 3-match ODI series ended at a stalemate, i.e., 1-1, with the last ODI getting washed out.
The series back then comprised 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. England won the Test series 2-1, the ODI series ended in a stalemate 1-1, and the T20I series was won by the visitors, South Africa, by 2-1. Three years later, the two sides are all set to go against each other again, with some new names trying to make a mark for themselves on the big stage. An exciting series awaits us in England.
South Africa will be keen to carry forward the momentum from their impressive ODI series win in Australia as they begin their three-match campaign against England at Headingley on September 2. The Proteas clinched the Australia series 2–1, with standout performances from Lungi Ngidi, who bagged a match-winning 5/42 in the second ODI, and Matthew Breetzke, who averaged 70 across three innings.
Temba Bavuma’s side has shown growing depth and tactical clarity, blending youth and experience across formats. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Tristan Stubbs offer balance, while emerging talents such as Kwena Maphaka and Matthew Breetzke bring fresh energy. With England fresh off a grueling Test series against India and Men’s Hundred, South Africa will look to exploit any fatigue and strike early in the series.
Headingley’s conditions may favor seamers early on and South Africa’s pace battery. Ngidi, Rabada, and Bosch will be key. The Proteas will aim to assert their brand of cricket, marked by aggressive intent and disciplined execution. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 71 ENG won: 30 SA won: 35 No Result: 5 Tied: 1 RECENT form ENGLAND: L L W W W RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: W L W W L
England and South Africa have collided against each other 71 times in ODI cricket. South Africa has the upper hand with 35 wins, whereas the hosts, England, have won 30 games. 5 matches between the two ended without a result, whereas 1 ended in a tie. Talking about their last 5 meetings, South Africa has a sheer upper hand with 4 wins, and 1 game was won by England back in 2023 by 59 runs. Their last ODI meeting came back in March 2025 in the Champions Trophy 2025, where South Africa won quite convincingly by 7 wickets.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and South Africa, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer.
Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI match between South Africa and England at Headingley, Leeds:
With Headingley offering early swing and seam movement, the team winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first. Overcast conditions and a fresh pitch could favour pacers in the initial overs, making early breakthroughs crucial. Both captains will want to exploit the new ball before settling into the chase.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the South Africa Tour of England will take place live on the SonyLIV App. TV viewers can watch this series live on Sony Sports Network channels.
Australia holds a slight edge heading into the 1st ODI, with home conditions and a deeper batting lineup working in their favor. However, South Africa’s recent dominance in head-to-head clashes adds intrigue. Expect a close contest, but Australia may just sneak through, given the home advantage. So, as per our prediction, the hosts, Australia, are expected to win the AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction 1st ODI match at the Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.