Breetzke Leads SA to Series-Clinching Win at Lord's

South Africa wrapped up the one-day international series against England ahead of schedule, edging out a dramatic five-run victory in the second match on Thursday, thanks to Matt Breetzke's groundbreaking 85 at Lord's. Stepping in for the unwell Wiaan Mulder, Breetzke made history as the first ODI player to score a half-century in each of his first five games, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The 26-year-old's 77-ball effort, supported by opener Aiden Markram's 49 and Tristan Stubbs' 58, helped South Africa—sent in to bat—post a strong 330-8 in 50 overs. “It was a challenging total; I'd have been happy with it after losing three early wickets,” said Proteas captain Temba Bavuma.

After being bundled out for 131 in a seven-wicket loss in the opener at Headingley on Tuesday, England put up a fiercer fight this time, even after Jamie Smith fell in the opening over of their innings. The chase came down to the final over, where England required 16 runs with one wicket left. Tailender Jofra Archer's explosive 27 off 14 balls nearly turned the tide, but the home side ended at 325-9.

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Earlier, Jacob Bethell dazzled at cricket's headquarters with a 40 off 58 balls, featuring four boundaries in a row, and built a crucial 77-run partnership for the third wicket with Joe Root (61 off 72) to keep England in contention.

Captain Jos Buttler accelerated with 61 off 51 before a clever slower ball from Lungi Ngidi bowled him. Will Jacks revived hopes with two sixes but was dismissed in the 47th over by Nandre Burger (3-63), who claimed two wickets in that over. Archer's late surge of two fours and two sixes fell short as South Africa “They might have scored 10-15 extra, but coming within a single big hit was a commendable chase,” said England captain Harry Brook.

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