England tour of South Africa, 2026-27, match 5 of 6
South Africa vs England 2nd ODI prediction
The verdict, a pitch read, how each innings should unfold and three bets at rising risk.
49%South Africa
51%England
Quick overview
- Our pick: England to win, a 51% chance in our model.
- Conditions at Mangaung Oval: Expect even bounce and little help for the bowlers.
- Batting depth: Only 3 runs separate our projected totals, which is close to nothing.
- Safest bet: England (Match winner), about a 51% chance.
Series window, not a confirmed XI date. Confirm on the day.
Who will win the SA vs ENG 2nd ODI?
The 2nd ODI between South Africa and England is too close to call: our model has it 49-51. We lean England by the smallest margin. Expect South Africa around 334 and England around 331 at Mangaung Oval, where the pitch helps the batters. Play starts Sat, 09 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST.
- Our pick
- England, 51%
- Format
- ODI, 50 overs
- Pitch helps
- Batters
What will decide it
The three things we think will settle this match, and which side each one helps.
Conditions at Mangaung Oval
Expect even bounce and little help for the bowlers. Boundaries come easily, so a big total is the starting point, not a bonus. Both teams' batters should enjoy it.
Helps Even
Batting depth
Only 3 runs separate our projected totals, which is close to nothing. Expect individual innings, not overall squad strength, to settle this one.
Helps Even
Series momentum
With 1 match left after this one, England can put real pressure on with a win here.
Helps England
What will South Africa and England score?
How we expect each innings to build, phase by phase, on a flat / high-scoring surface at Mangaung Oval.
South Africa England
- Powerplay (0-10)
- SA47-59ENG51-63
- Middle Overs (11-40)
- SA171-191ENG168-188
- Death Overs (41-50)
- SA91-109ENG87-105
First-innings scoreSA 309-359/ENG 306-356
Best bets for SA vs ENG
One match, three risk levels. The safer bet lands most often; the long shot pays most when it does.
Safer
Our chance 51%
Match winner
England
Our model's top pick. The odds will be short, so keep the stake modest if you want a real return.
Value
Our chance 60%
South Africa first-innings score
Over 319.5 runs
Our projection for South Africa is about 334, comfortably above 319.5, so a quiet start shouldn't sink it.
Long shot
Our chance 25%
Top batter
Liam Livingstone (England)
Balances the XI. A top-batter bet pays well when it lands, so keep the stake small.
Who can swing South Africa vs England?
Our impact rating is how likely each player is to change the result. XIs are confirmed at the toss.
South Africa
- David MillerSteady hand in a chase82impact
- Marco JansenBalances the XI94impact
England
- Liam LivingstoneBalances the XI89impact
- Chris WoakesTrusted at the end of the innings94impact
Match preview
Late in England tour of South Africa, 2026-27, the plans are well known, so execution on the day decides it. South Africa have the home crowd and local knowledge, and we have given them credit for it. We rate England at 51%, weighing team strength, how Mangaung Oval usually plays and a flat / high-scoring pitch. It is a narrow call, so the toss and the early overs carry extra weight. Check the playing XIs before you bet.
The toss: The toss barely matters. Both captains will back their batters to post or chase a big score.
Where the 2nd ODI fits in the series
Rest days, travel and what comes next in England tour of South Africa, 2026-27.
The 2nd ODI is match 5 of 6, played at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sat, 09 Jan 2027.
It comes 6 days after the 1st ODI at Boland Park in Paarl, so both squads travel to Bloemfontein in between. The long gap gives both sides time to reset, so form from the last game counts for less.
Next, the 3rd ODI is 6 days after this one, at the same ground.
Mangaung Oval hosts 1 other match on our calendar: 3rd ODI: South Africa vs England (15 Jan).
- 03 Jan1st ODI: South Africa vs EnglandBoland Park
- 09 Jan2nd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandMangaung OvalThis match
- 15 Jan3rd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandMangaung Oval
More cricket predictions
- 15 Jan3rd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 03 Jan1st ODI: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 17 Dec1st Test: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 23 Dec2nd Test: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
SA vs ENG 2nd ODI: questions fans ask
Quick answers to what readers ask us most.
Who is favourite to win South Africa vs England?
Our numbers make England the favourites for the 2nd ODI: 51% against 49% for South Africa, based on team strength, home advantage and conditions at Mangaung Oval.
What time does the SA vs ENG 2nd ODI start in India?
First ball is due Sat, 09 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST India time at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. Check again on match day, as series dates sometimes change.
What is Malik Mumbai's best bet for SA vs ENG?
For a safer bet, back England (51%). For more value, try south africa first-innings score over 319.5 runs (60%). Keep stakes to money you can afford to lose.
What is the pitch like in Bloemfontein?
A flat / high-scoring pitch, by our reading, so expect it to help the batters. That points to first-innings scores of about 334 for South Africa and 331 for England.
Should the toss winner bat or bowl first in SA vs ENG?
The toss barely matters. Both captains will back their batters to post or chase a big score. Expect the toss about 30 minutes before play begins at 19:30 IST, with the XIs named at the same time.
What happens if it rains during South Africa vs England?
Lost overs mean a DLS target; if the minimum overs can't be played, the match is a no-result. Which bets stand or are void depends on each site's rules. Check the Bloemfontein forecast before you bet.
South Africa vs England match kaun jitega?
Malik Mumbai ke model ke hisaab se England favourite hain, 51% chance ke saath, aur South Africa ka chance 49% hai. Match Sat, 09 Jan 2027 ko 19:30 IST par shuru hoga. Yeh prediction hai, guarantee nahi.
Bloemfontein ki pitch report kya hai?
Hum is pitch ko flat / high-scoring rate karte hain, isliye batters ke liye achha hai aur bada score ban sakta hai. Toss aur playing XI ka faisla match se lagbhag 30 minute pehle hota hai.
Where can I follow South Africa vs England live?
Follow the score ball by ball on the Malik Mumbai live scores page. TV and streaming rights vary by country, so check local listings for the broadcast.
Still unsure? Ask our team
Predictions, projected scores and win percentages on this page come from Malik Mumbai's own model, built from team strength, venue history and conditions. They are estimates, not guarantees, and only a bookmaker's live odds settle a bet. 18+ only. Set a limit before you play and bet responsibly.