ODI series: fixtures, live scores and what matters for every match
ODI series mean full days of cricket, big scorecards and real impact on rankings and World Cup qualification. If you're following a series — whether it's South Africa hosting England, Namibia taking on Zimbabwe, or an Australia tour — you want clear info: when the match starts, who’s playing, and where to watch. Here’s a practical guide to keep you hooked and never miss a ball.
How to follow an ODI series live
Want to watch or listen live? Check local broadcasters first — rights vary by country. Big streaming platforms like ESPN+ and SuperSport often carry international ODIs. For free or quick updates use Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo for ball-by-ball text, live scorecards and player stats. Follow official team Twitter/X pages and tournament accounts for XI announcements and last-minute changes. If you’re on the go, enable notifications on the cricket apps so you get alerts for toss, wickets and rain delays.
Ticket info: local boards list on their websites and social channels. For high-demand games, sign up for waitlists and look at club or stadium memberships to get early access.
Practical tips that actually help during a series
Form matters more than reputation. Look at the last five ODIs for each player, not just career averages. A batter scoring at a 90+ strike rate in recent matches is more dangerous than past prestige. Bowlers who bowl well in the early overs or at the death make the biggest difference in one-day cricket, so track their recent economy and wicket rate.
Check conditions early. Pitch reports tell you if a ground favors spinners, pacers or is batting-friendly. Overcast mornings often help seamers; dry, dusty wickets help spinners. That affects team selection and who you trust for fantasy picks or captain choices.
Captaincy and fantasy advice: pick all-rounders who bat in the top six and bowl at least five overs. They collect points from runs, wickets and catches. If you must choose one captain, favor the form player at the top of the order or a strike bowler on a bowling-friendly pitch.
Watch for team rotation during long series. Rest days, workloads and World Cup planning mean regular XI changes. If a key fast bowler is rested, betting odds and fantasy values shift. Keep an eye on official injury updates so you can adjust lineups quickly.
Impact on rankings and qualifiers: every ODI in a series can shift ICC rankings and qualification paths. Lesser-known wins matter — an upset by an associate nation can decide direct World Cup spots. If your team is fighting for points, follow each result; net run rate and bonus points can be decisive.
We’ll keep this tag updated with fixtures, match reports, analysis and streaming guides. Bookmark or subscribe to get timely alerts for the ODI series you care about and stay one step ahead of the action.
Afghanistan Clinches Second ODI Victory Over South Africa in Sharjah
Afghanistan has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against South Africa following a triumph in Sharjah. Highlights include their decision to bat first, the return of South African captain Temba Bavuma, and stellar performances by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan. The pitch, described as hard and flat, posed unique challenges for both teams.