England clinch record-shattering victory in Southampton
England dominate with bat and ball to hand South Africa a 342-run defeat—the heaviest in men’s ODI history.
England registered a massive 342-run victory over South Africa in the final ODI at Southampton, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory by runs in ODIs. Their win surpassed the previous record by 25 runs, which was held by India after their 317-run triumph over Sri Lanka in 2023.
With South Africa already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, England entered the final ODI in Southampton aiming to avoid a whitewash. After being sent in to bat, they made South Africa regret the decision quickly, racing to 100 runs in just 13.4 overs. Jamie Smith led the charge with a quickfire 62 off 48 balls, supported well by Ben Duckett’s 31.
The real onslaught came from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, who combined for a massive 182-run partnership. Bethell blasted his maiden international century with a scintillating 110 off 82 balls, while Root played a masterful innings to register his 19th ODI century. At just 21, Bethell has become the second-youngest England player to score a men’s ODI hundred.
Jos Buttler compounded South Africa’s woes by smashing 62 runs off just 32 balls, helping England post a colossal total of 414.
Chasing a massive total, South Africa faced added pressure when their skipper, Temba Bavuma, who had suffered a calf strain while fielding, was unable to bat, leaving the team a batter short.
Their troubles deepened as Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse struck early, claiming three wickets within the first three overs with a fiery new-ball spell.
The pair didn’t ease up, continuing to wreak havoc by claiming another three wickets, leaving South Africa reeling at 24 for 6 athe end of first Powerplay. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj added 20 runs together, marking South Africa’s biggest partnership of the match, but it was Adil Rashid’s spin that sealed the win for the hosts, helping England secure a record-breaking victory.
Despite the record loss, this result marks South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998. This series win follows their success Down Under last month, where they beat Australia 2-1 in the ODI series.
Both sides will now face each other in a three-match T20I series starting September 10.