England will play at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Sunday in the third and last ODI against South Africa with a view to saving face after losing the three-match series. Under Harry Brook’s captaincy, the Three Lions have had another torrid campaign in the 50-over format, with losses in the first two matches sealing the series defeat.
The hosts’ own ODI struggles have been evident, seen in their slipping to the eighth spot in the ICC rankings. This has left England in a tight spot, risking failure to qualify for the 2027 World Cup directly. Having already been defeated in the first ODI by seven wickets and the second by just two runs, the onus is strongly on Brook’s team to ensure a solid finish in front of home supporters.
England vs South Africa: Match Details
- Fixture: England vs South Africa, 3rd ODI
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST (Toss at 3:00 PM IST)
- Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton
England vs South Africa: Where to Watch on TV?
Indian cricket enthusiasts can watch the live telecast of the 3rd ODI between South Africa and England on the Sony Sports Network. The match will be started with the toss at 3:00 PM IST followed by the ball-by-ball action from 3:30 PM IST onwards.
England vs South Africa: Where to Watch on OTT?
For those who want to watch online, the game will be streamed live on the SonyLiv website and app. Subscribers get high-definition coverage coupled with interactive options like highlights, expert commentary, and real-time stats.
England vs South Africa: Proteas on a Golden Run
For South Africa, the year 2025 has been one of dominance in all formats. Having won the World Test Championship (WTC) final early this year, the Proteas have followed it up with bilateral ODI series wins against both Australia and now England. Their combination of youth and experience has been the turning factor, with their captain Temba Bavuma leading his team impressively.
The inaugural ODI at Durham witnessed South Africa easily chasing down the total of England, while the second ODI at Manchester became a thriller. England seemed destined to tie the series but fell short by two runs as the Proteas bowlers proved too strong under extreme pressure.
England vs South Africa: Hosts Under Pressure
England’s batting continues to be a worry, with experienced players such as Joe Root and Jos Buttler disappointing in terms of consistency. Captain Harry Brook has given glimpses of brilliance, but the team’s failure to put up or chase dominating totals has been detrimental to them. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, has given glimpses of brilliance but has failed to seal matches.
With automatic qualification to the World Cup on the line, England’s management is in question. A victory in Southampton will not alter the series result but will be vital in regaining some confidence.
England vs South Africa: Squads
England XI: Harry Brook (captain), Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton.
South Africa team: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.
With the series already won by South Africa, England will struggle to prevent a whitewash while the Proteas will look to build on their winning streak in 2025.
