Cricket returns to England this Tuesday as the Proteas take on the hosts in the opening match of the three-game ODI series at Headingley. England, under Harry Brook’s leadership, are coming off a dominant white-ball campaign earlier this year and are keen to capitalise on home advantage. South Africa arrive on the back of a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Australia and will be looking to bounce back. Below is the betting preview and prediction.
ALSO READ: Dewald Brevis Announces Himself on the International Stage.
Betting Preview
England enter this ODI as the favourites, with their odds at 1.57 to win. The home advantage and recent white-ball form make them a strong pick, though their seam bowling remains a concern.
South Africa, meanwhile, are no pushovers. Fresh from a 2-1 series defeat to Australia, they bring experience and rhythm to Leeds. Their batting order, powered by Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis and Co., are ready to make their mark in English conditions. Kagiso Rabada is included in the squad (fitness permitting), adding serious firepower to an already potent attack.
7.00
england vs South Africa
Joe Root
Player of the match
Odds are subject to change.
Bet Here
The Headingley pitch is expected to favour seam bowling early before settling into a batting-friendly track, making the team that wins the toss and chooses to bowl first tactically smart. Watch out for debutants and form players: Sonny Baker makes his ODI debut, bringing pace and unpredictability to the English attack.
12.50
england vs South Africa
Dewald Brevis
player of the match
Odds are subject to change.
Bet Here
Meanwhile, Joe Root, one of England’s most dependable run-scorers, is in sensational form, with multiple 50-plus scores this year and a strong Headingley record. He’s one to back for a big knock.
Statistics
- England have won 6 of the last 8 ODIs at Headingley; South Africa have yet to win there in four appearances.
- The Proteas hold a narrow edge overall with 35 wins to England’s 30 in 71 matches.
- Averaging a superb 75.50 in 2025 ODIs, including 5 fifty-plus scores in his last 9 innings.
- South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is included in the squad but is being monitored for an ankle injury.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: England to win at 1.57.
Best Bet: Joe Root to score over 36.5 runs at 1.80.
Value Bet: Joe Root to be England’s top batter at 3.30.
