ENG vs SA Match Prediction and Preview - South Africa tour of England 1st ODI: Get Playing 11, Pitch Report, H2H & More

ENG vs SA Match Preview

England vs South Africa 1st ODI match of South Africa's Tour of England 2025 will be played at Headingley, Leeds on 02 September, starting at 05:30 PM IST.

England come into this ODI series in form, having triumphed against West Indies earlier in the summer. With Harry Brook in charge and leaders of the ilk of Jos Buttler and Jamie Smith in the line-up, England have a deep batting order that has the capability to counter the pace attack from South Africa. Looking at their recent performances and good record at home, they will start as favourites in the opening encounter.

See South Africa v England head to headODI records hereSouth Africa have dominated England in ODI cricket in the recent past, winning 6 out of the last 9 head-to-head ODI matches. They will be led by Temba Bavuma and will depend upon Dewald Brevis’ power-packed batting and their experienced bowling unit to put up a fight against the hosts. Having been thrashed by Australia in their last game, South Africa are still a dangerous team with match-winners.

Headingley, Leeds Weather and Pitch Report

Weather in Leeds on September 2 is expected to be cool and cloudy (13.9°C, 88% cloud cover), with winds at 7.5 km/h. These conditions could offer significant movement for seamers, especially under lights.

The pitch at Headingley is known for being a flat track with consistent bounce, favoring batters as the game progresses, but early swing will test openers.

• Batting Condition: Average

• Pitch Type: Flat Track

• Pace vs Spin: Slightly more support for pace bowlers; spin remains average.

• Venue Stats (ODIs at Headingley):

1st Innings: Avg 234 runs | 8 wickets | SR: 76.38

2nd Innings: Avg 215 runs | 6 wickets | SR: 80.82

A competitive total around 260-280 can be expected if batting first.

Recent Performance

ENG:

England come into this match with three consecutive ODI wins, including a commanding victory by 238 runs over West Indies. Their top order has been in form, and their middle order depth is a big advantage.

SA:

South Africa have had mixed results recently, with two losses and three wins in their last five ODIs. They suffered a massive defeat against Australia in their last match but will look to bounce back strongly.

Head-to-Head

South Africa lead the recent head-to-head record, winning 6 of the last 9 ODIs against England. However, playing in home conditions gives England a clear edge.

ENG vs SA Playing 11

ENG vs SA Today Match Prediction

England's chances to win the match are 60% while South Africa have 40% chances to win this match. England are the favourites, given their recent ODI form and home-field advantage, but South Africa's pacers and aggressive batsmen can flip it as well.

Watch Out For

Harry Brook's captaincy debut and middle-order consistency.

Jasprit Bumrah's swing.

Dewald Brevis' aggressive batting against England's pace attack.

What to Expect

England's batting lineup, featuring Brook, Buttler, and Smith, looks formidable, but early movement under overcast conditions could make it tricky. South Africa will depend heavily on Bavuma's leadership and Kagiso Rabada's pace (if playing) to make inroads.

Predicted Scores

England batting first: 260–280

South Africa batting first: 240–260

ENG vs SA Final Result Prediction

England to win. Their home advantage and good form recently probably make it advantage them, but have Brevis or Bavuma deliver and South Africa could yet push them hard.