England tour of South Africa, 2026-27, match 6 of 6
South Africa vs England 3rd ODI prediction
Our pick, what the pitch will do, how the innings should build, and three bets at different risk levels.
61%South Africa
39%England
Quick overview
- Our pick: South Africa to win, a 61% chance in our model.
- Conditions at Mangaung Oval: Flat, quick and true, with a fast outfield.
- Batting depth: Our projected totals are just 1 runs apart.
- Safest bet: South Africa (Match winner), about a 61% chance.
Series window, not a confirmed XI date. Confirm on the day.
Who will win the SA vs ENG 3rd ODI?
Malik Mumbai backs South Africa to beat England in the 3rd ODI at Mangaung Oval, rating their chances at 61%. We expect South Africa to make around 330 and England around 331 on a pitch that helps the batters. Play starts Fri, 15 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST.
- Our pick
- South Africa, 61%
- 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
Flat, quick and true, with a fast outfield. Bowlers need a plan B here, and big totals are the norm rather than the exception. It should suit the batters on both sides equally.
Helps Even
Batting depth
Our projected totals are just 1 runs apart. One standout innings is more likely to decide it than overall depth.
Helps Even
Series momentum
With 0 matches left after this one, South Africa can put real pressure on with a win here.
Helps South Africa
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)
- SA51-61ENG48-60
- Middle Overs (11-40)
- SA165-185ENG170-190
- Death Overs (41-50)
- SA91-107ENG89-105
First-innings scoreSA 307-353/ENG 307-355
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 61%
Match winner
South Africa
Our model's top pick. The odds will be short, so keep the stake modest if you want a real return.
Value
Our chance 59%
South Africa first-innings score
Over 316.5 runs
We project South Africa around 330. A line near 316.5 leaves room for a slow start and still lands.
Long shot
Our chance 25%
Top batter
Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
Trusted at the end of the innings. Top-batter odds are usually long, so a small stake is enough.
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
- Anrich NortjeTrusted at the end of the innings90impact
- Quinton de KockFast starter at the top95impact
England
- Jofra ArcherTrusted at the end of the innings92impact
- Sam CurranBalances the XI83impact
Match preview
With most of England tour of South Africa, 2026-27 played, there are few surprises left in either line-up. South Africa have the home crowd and local knowledge, and we have given them credit for it. The 61% rating for South Africa comes from team strength, scoring patterns at Mangaung Oval and a flat / high-scoring surface. The gap is real, but cricket gives underdogs a way back through one good spell. Wait for the team sheets before placing anything.
The toss: Bat or bowl, the toss winner gains little: the runs should be there for both sides.
Where the 3rd ODI fits in the series
Rest days, travel and what comes next in England tour of South Africa, 2026-27.
The 3rd ODI is match 6 of 6, played at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Fri, 15 Jan 2027.
It comes 6 days after the 2nd ODI at the same ground, so both sides have already seen this pitch. The long gap gives both sides time to reset, so form from the last game counts for less.
This is the last match of the series, so there is no later game to save players for.
Mangaung Oval hosts 1 other match on our calendar: 2nd ODI: South Africa vs England (09 Jan).
- 09 Jan2nd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandMangaung Oval
- 15 Jan3rd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandMangaung OvalThis match
More cricket predictions
- 09 Jan2nd 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 3rd ODI: questions fans ask
Quick answers to what readers ask us most.
Who is favourite to win South Africa vs England?
South Africa, at 61% on our model, with England given 39%. Team strength, home advantage and a flat / high-scoring pitch at Mangaung Oval all feed into that rating.
What time does the SA vs ENG 3rd ODI start in India?
Play is set to start Fri, 15 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST (India time) at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. Confirm on the day in case the schedule moves.
What is Malik Mumbai's best bet for SA vs ENG?
Our safer bet is South Africa to win (61%). For better value, we like south africa first-innings score over 316.5 runs (59%). Only stake what you can afford to lose.
What is the pitch like in Bloemfontein?
We rate the Mangaung Oval surface flat / high-scoring for this ODI, which should help the batters. Our projected first-innings scores are 307-353 for South Africa and 307-355 for England.
Should the toss winner bat or bowl first in SA vs ENG?
Bat or bowl, the toss winner gains little: the runs should be there for both sides. The toss happens about 30 minutes before the 19:30 IST start, and both XIs are named then.
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?
Hamare model mein South Africa aage hain: 61% chance, jabki England ka 39% hai. Match Fri, 15 Jan 2027 ko 19:30 IST par shuru hoga. Yeh sirf 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.