South Africa suffered a historic embarrassment in ODI cricket as they were thrashed by a record 342 runs by England on Sunday the biggest win margin in the format while batting first. In pursuit of a daunting 415 in Southampton, the Proteas disintegrated for a woefully inadequate 72 in 20.5 overs, just avoiding their lowest ODI total of 69 (established in 1993 against Australia).
England’s thrilling win was powered by a forceful spell from Jofra Archer and a dazzling maiden century by breakthrough player Jacob Bethell. Archer ripped through South Africa’s top order, taking 4 for 18 off nine overs in a clinical display, while Bethell hammered 110 off 82 balls a innings marked by 13 boundaries and 3 sixes.
The victory eclipsed India’s own previous record for largest ODI win (317 against Sri Lanka in 2023) and comfortably bettered England’s own record of 242 runs against Australia in 2018 at Trent Bridge.
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England batted first and amassed a record 414 for 5 their fifth-highest ODI score ever. Joe Root scored a masterful 100, with fluent knocks from the ravaging Jos Buttler (62*), Jamie Smith (62), and Bethell coming in to add to the mayhem. Fresh from scoring 96 on his Test debut against New Zealand, Bethell made the most of his No. 4 promotion, building on his 58 at Lord’s with an even more commanding performance.
The Proteas’ pursuit disintegrated virtually in no time. Aiden Markram pipped Archer behind in the first over, and Wiaan Mulder followed shortly, skying Brydon Carse to Harry Brook. Archer went on to dismantle the top order, getting rid of Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke the latter falling just short of what would have been a sixth successive ODI half-century.
Moving at a pace above 90mph, Archer’s sheer pace and bounce reduced South Africa to shambles at 18 for 5. Tristan Stubbs was his fourth casualty, caught in the slips by Will Jacks, and Adil Rashid mopped up the tail with a three-wicket flurry to conclude the match.
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In spite of losing the opening two games by seven wickets at Headingley and by five runs at Lord’s England saved the series in style. It was another milestone moment for Bethell, who will become England’s youngest-ever ODI captain during the forthcoming series against Ireland.
England’s dominant performance was not just a statement victory but a reminder of their firepower and depth as they set up for the Ashes later this year.
