England handed South Africa their heaviest defeat in One-Day International (ODI) history, securing a record-breaking 342-run victory in Southampton on Sunday. The win, inspired by a brilliant maiden century from Jacob Bethell and a lethal spell from Jofra Archer, saw England avoid a clean sweep in the three-match series.
Chasing a mammoth target of 415, the Proteas' innings collapsed in just 20.5 overs, with the team managing a paltry total of just 72 runs. The margin of defeat surpasses India’s 317-run victory over Sri Lanka in 2023, making it the biggest win in men’s ODI history when batting first. The humiliation was narrowly shy of South Africa's lowest ODI total of 69, which they scored against Australia in 1993.
England's dominance was built on a formidable batting display that saw them post their fifth-highest ODI total of 414-5. The innings was highlighted by a sensational performance from 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who scored his first professional hundred with a sparkling 110 from 82 balls. He was ably supported by Joe Root, who reached a typically efficient 100, while Jos Buttler (62 not out) and Jamie Smith (62) added to the run spree.
With the bat setting a huge total, the stage was set for the bowlers, and Jofra Archer delivered. The pace bowler ripped through the South African top order, finishing with impressive figures of 4-18 in nine overs. Archer's fiery spell, which included speeds over 90mph, left the Proteas reeling at 18-5 and effectively ended any hope of a comeback. Adil Rashid (3-13) and Brydon Carse (2-33) mopped up the tail, ensuring a humiliating end for the visiting side.
The defeat marks the second time in 15 days that South Africa has been on the receiving end of a historic thrashing, having also suffered a 276-run loss to Australia. While South Africa had already clinched the series 2-1 with victories in the first two matches, this crushing defeat will likely be a difficult memory for the team. They will have a chance for a quick turnaround in the T20 series against England, which begins on Wednesday.
