England Records Biggest ODI Victory as South Africa Suffer Historic 342-Run Defeat

SOUTHAMPTON: South Africa endured the heaviest defeat in One-Day International (ODI) history on Sunday, being bowled out for a mere 72 runs and losing to England by a massive 342 runs in Southampton.

Chasing a daunting target of 415 to avoid a series whitewash, the South African team collapsed in just 20.5 overs — marking their second-lowest ODI total ever — as England completed a commanding 3-0 series sweep.

This crushing margin broke the previous record for the largest ODI victory when batting first, surpassing India’s 317-run win over Sri Lanka in 2023. England’s previous best was a 242-run win against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.

Jofra Archer spearheaded the English bowling attack with an impressive 4 wickets for 18 runs in nine overs, dismantling four of South Africa’s top five batsmen with pace and precision. Earlier, England’s Jacob Bethell scored a maiden ODI century, smashing 110 runs off 82 balls, while Joe Root contributed a stylish 100.

England’s total of 414 for 5 stands as their fifth-highest ODI score. Jos Buttler remained unbeaten on 62, and opener Jamie Smith also added 62 runs.

At just 21, Bethell’s vibrant innings included 13 fours and three sixes, surpassing his previous highest score of 96 in a Test match against New Zealand in 2024. His promotion to number four in the batting order was well justified after mixed performances in earlier Tests and a strong 58 at Lord’s in the same series.

South Africa’s downfall began in the very first over when Aiden Markram was caught behind off Archer. Wiaan Mulder followed soon after, lofting a catch to Harry Brook. Archer continued to trouble the batsmen under cloudy conditions, claiming wickets in quick succession including Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke, who had been aiming for a sixth consecutive ODI half-century.

Archer’s final wicket was Tristan Stubbs, caught in the slips by Will Jacks, with the ball clocking over 90 mph. Brydon Carse then removed Dewald Brevis as South Africa crumbled to 26 for 6.

Due to injury, Temba Bavuma did not bat, meaning only nine wickets were needed to finish the innings. Adil Rashid wrapped up the innings with three wickets, sealing England’s overwhelming victory.

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The teams will now shift focus to the upcoming T20 series starting Wednesday, where South Africa will aim to bounce back from this historic defeat.