South Africa suffered the heaviest defeat in One-Day International history on Sunday, dismissed for just 72 in a 342-run loss to England in Southampton.
Chasing 415 to avoid a series whitewash, the tourists were bowled out in 20.5 overs – their second-lowest ODI total – as England completed a dominant three-match sweep.
The margin surpassed India’s 317-run win over Sri Lanka in 2023, setting a new record for the biggest ODI victory when batting first. England’s previous best had been a 242-run triumph against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.
Jofra Archer led the bowling attack with 4 for 18 in nine overs, removing four of South Africa’s top five in a fiery spell. Earlier, Jacob Bethell struck a maiden ODI century, scoring 110 from 82 balls, while Joe Root added 100 in a clinical batting display.
England’s total of 414 for 5 was their fifth-highest in ODI cricket. Jos Buttler remained unbeaten on 62, with opener Jamie Smith also contributing 62.
Bethell, 21, hit 13 fours and three sixes in a vibrant innings that eclipsed his previous highest score of 96, made in a Test against New Zealand in 2024. His promotion to number four in the batting order appeared justified, following scores of 6 and 5 in two Test innings against India and a 58-run knock at Lord’s earlier in the series.
The collapse began in the first over of the chase, with Aiden Markram caught behind off Archer. Wiaan Mulder followed in the next over, lofting Brydon Carse to Harry Brook.
Under overcast conditions, Archer continued to trouble the batters, drawing an edge from Ryan Rickelton to leave South Africa at 6 for 3. Matthew Breetzke, aiming for a sixth consecutive ODI half-century, was also caught behind after ducking into a rising delivery.
Archer’s final wicket came with the dismissal of Tristan Stubbs, caught in the slips by Will Jacks, as the pace rose above 90mph. Carse then removed Dewald Brevis, caught by Jamie Overton, with the score at 26 for 6.
Temba Bavuma did not bat due to injury, meaning only nine wickets were needed. England wrapped up the match swiftly, with Adil Rashid taking three wickets to complete the rout.
The teams will now turn their attention to the T20 series, beginning on Wednesday, where South Africa will look to respond to this historic setback.
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