International cricket is all in readiness of returning to the Free State Province after almost a three-year gap as Bloemfontein will be hosting the first two out of the three ODIs in the imminent series between South Africa and England.
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Although against Australia, the last international match in the city was also an ODI. Part of the current 16-member ODI squad, South Africa batter Janneman Malan had scored a maiden ODI century in only his second match to seal a 272-run chase back in the day. Played right before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the series had witnessed South Africa whitewashing Australia 3-0.
As far as the Mangaung Oval is concerned, South Africa have won 16 and lost seven out of the 28 ODIs that have been played here in the last three decades. England, on the other hand, have never lost an ODI at this venue. In their four previous appearances, England have won thrice and tied once .
Mangaung Oval ODI records (updated on January 28, 2023)
Highest ODI run-scorers at this stadium are Jacques Kallis (377), Herschelle Gibbs (372), Andrew Hudson (332), Sanath Jayasuriya (315) and Hansie Cronje (253). As far as active cricketers are concerned, best batters in Bloemfontein ODIs are Quinton de Kock (175), Jason Roy (161), Faf du Plessis (153), Jos Buttler (141) and David Miller (141).
Much like the batters, highest ODI wicket-takers at this venue are also former cricketers namely Shaun Pollock (21), Kallis (12), Lance Klusener (10), Imran Tahir (8) and Makhaya Ntini (8). Highest wicket-takers in Bloemfontein ODIs among active cricketers are Lungi Ngidi (7), Anrich Nortje (6), Moeen Ali (4), Sam Curran (3) and Sisanda Magala (3).
Highest innings totals in Bloemfontein ODIs (updated on January 28, 2023)
| Score | Overs | Team | Opposition | Year |
| 399/9 | 50 | England | South Africa | 2016 |
| 351/6 | 50 | South Africa | Zimbabwe | 2010 |
| 336/7 | 50 | South Africa | Kenya | 2008 |
| 315/4 | 50 | South Africa | Pakistan | 2013 |
| 314/4 | 50 | Netherlands | Namibia | 2003 |
There have been a total of six instances of 300+ innings total out of the 32 ODI innings at the Mangaung Oval. Hosts South Africa hold the record for the highest successful ODI run-chase at this stadium for their above mentioned run-chase against Australia. England are just one position behind South Africa in this list for chasing down a 263-run target against the home team 27 years ago.
It is noteworthy that toss doesn’t really play a deciding factor at the Mangaung Oval. Out of 28 ODIs which have witnessed a result here, teams batting first have won 15 times as compared to 14 wins by teams batting second.
