England Record Largest-Ever ODI Win by Runs, Crush South Africa by 342 Runs

Jacob Bethell scored his first international century, and Joe Root added his 19th in the format. Along with a brilliant four-wicket spell from Jofra Archer at the start, England completely dominated South Africa in the third ODI. Even though they had already lost the series earlier in the week, England won by a huge margin of 342 runs in Southampton.

Bethell and Root shared a 182-run partnership supported by quick 62-run innings from Jamie Smith and Jos Buttler at both ends, helping England post a massive 414/5. Archer (4 for 18) and Brydon Carse reduced South Africa to 24/6 by the end of the PowerPlay, making the outcome clear from early on.

After South Africa chose to bowl, England’s openers set the tone with a strong start. Jamie Smith added 59 runs with Ben Duckett scored 31 off 33 balls and then another 58 runs with Joe Root before Smith went on to make a quick 62 off 48 balls – his second fifty of the series.

Root was then joined by Jacob Bethell, and the two put together an impressive 182-run partnership in just 24 overs scoring at more than 7.5 runs per over. While Root played a steady hand, Bethell stole the show reaching his first-ever century in professional cricket in just 76 balls. He went on to make 110 off 82 deliveries, setting up England’s finishers for the late charge. Root kept a lower strike rate during their partnership eventually picked up the pace to reach a 95-ball century, though he couldn’t add much more after that.

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Jacob Bethell Batter

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Will Jacks Batter

Will Jacks and Buttler Push England Beyond 400

By then, Jos Buttler had taken control coming in aggressively and hitting three boundaries in a single over from Wiaan Mulder. He raced to a 27-ball fifty attacking both spin and pace with ease. Will Jacks chipped in with a quick eight-ball 19 not out helping England pass 400 runs just before the final over. Buttler then added three more boundaries to finish the innings at 414/5 marking England’s seventh 400-plus score in the last ten years. South Africa didn’t help themselves giving away 27 extras including 19 wides, while Corbin Bosch (2/79) and Keshav Maharaj (2/61) were the only bowlers to take wickets, though both were expensive.

South Africa’s Lower Order Fight Proves Too Little, Too Late

England’s bowling got off to a dream start. Jofra Archer took a wicket in each of his first three overs, including two maidens. He dismissed Aiden Markram with just the second ball caught behind, then had Ryan Rickleton edge one to Buttler. Archer also ended Matthew Breetzke’s five-match fifty streak with a short ball that the batsman top-edged to the keeper. Wiaan Mulder lasted only seven balls before falling to Brydon Carse leaving South Africa reeling at 7 for 4 in the first half of the PowerPlay. Archer finished his spell by removing Tristan Stubbs, who had scored 10 of the team’s 18 runs making it clear early on that the chase would be very tough.

South Africa’s lower order tried to fight back with Keshav Maharaj (17) and Corbin Bosch (20) putting together a small partnership to reach a three-figure score, but Adil Rashid cleaned up the tail finishing with 3 for 13 in 3.5 overs. With captain Temba Bavuma unable to bat because of a hamstring injury, South Africa were bowled out for just 72 in 21 overs. After losing the first ODI by seven wickets and the second in a close last-ball five-run finish, South Africa were completely outplayed in the third ODI, giving England a consolation win that also became their biggest-ever victory by runs in this format.

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by Dwijesh September 8, 2025

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