England created history in Southampton on Sunday by inflicting the heaviest defeat in One-Day International cricket, beating South Africa by 342 runs. The tourists, chasing 415 to avoid a whitewash, were bowled out for just 72 in 20.5 overs, marking their second-lowest ODI total.
The victory margin broke India’s record 317-run win over Sri Lanka in 2023, setting a new benchmark for the biggest win when batting first. England’s previous best was a 242-run win against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.
Jofra Archer produced a devastating spell, taking 4 for 18 and removing four of South Africa’s top-order batters. Adil Rashid also chipped in with three wickets as the visitors crumbled under pressure.
Earlier, England’s batting shone brightly with Jacob Bethell scoring his maiden ODI century, a brilliant 110 off 82 balls, and Joe Root matching him with a fluent 100. Jos Buttler added an unbeaten 62, while Jamie Smith also scored 62 to help England post a massive 414 for 5, their fifth-highest total in ODI cricket.
Bethell, just 21 years old, struck 13 fours and three sixes in a dazzling innings, showing why he was promoted up the order. His knock set the tone for England’s dominance as South Africa’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings.
South Africa’s chase never got going. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder fell cheaply, while Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs were undone by Archer’s pace and bounce. With captain Temba Bavuma unable to bat due to injury, South Africa needed only nine wickets to be bowled out, which England wrapped up with ease.
The three-match ODI series ended in a 3-0 clean sweep for England. The focus now shifts to the T20 series starting Wednesday, where South Africa will try to recover from this crushing defeat.
