England vs South Africa second ODI: Cricket betting tips, odds and predictions

England will be looking to bounce straight back from their defeat in the first match in this series when they take on South Africa on Friday afternoon (1pm UK time).

England were set a target of 334 to win, with South Africa’s batsmen excelling in the blistering heat, but the hosts fell short being bowled out for 271 with just under four overs left.

A terrific 134 runs from Rassie van der Dussen gave South Africa a great base and despite the top end performing well for England, with Johnny Bairstow and Joe Root combining for over 100, the middle order collapsed leaving the side far too much to do.

It was another defeat for an England side that have struggled in recent times with a change in head coach, captain and the retirement of key players in Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes. New captain, Jos Buttler will be keen to win his first series since taking the role but it will be another tough encounter on Friday.

England vs South Africa betting tips from Squawka Bet

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England vs South Africa latest odds

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Match prediction: South Africa to flex their muscles

Another disappointing collapse in the batting order left England short of their desired total and left them with it all to do to emerge from the series victorious.

It’s been a common trend in England matches recently with the batting really letting the side down. They’ve been much happier chasing a total than setting one but South Africa proved to be too strong at the crease.

The top end, often disappointing recently, started to show some signs of cohesion with Bairstow and Root forming a good partnership as well as Jason Roy hitting 43 when opening but Ben Stokes was dismissed for a disappointing 5 runs on his final ODI appearance for England.

The match on Friday should be a different proposition with the temperatures being much lower than Tuesday but England will still do well to bowl first and set themselves a target rather than stepping up to bat and allowing South Africa the chance to skittle them.

South Africa showed a new, more aggressive approach on Tuesday and it served them well. That approach could, once again, put England on the back foot and lead to some big totals from the top order, leaving England 2-0 down in the series and needing a win in the third match on Sunday to avoid a whitewash.