England Dominates as South Africa Hits Historic Low in 3rd ODI Clash

England delivered a historic performance, handing South Africa the heaviest defeat in ODI history by dismissing them for just 72 runs. This incredible 342-run victory was spurred by Jofra Archer’s exceptional bowling and Jacob Bethell’s maiden century on Sunday.

South Africa, tasked with chasing a massive 415 to avoid a series whitewash, crumbled in only 20.5 overs in Southampton, allowing England to claim the largest victory margin when batting first in ODI history. This surpassed the previous record of a 317-run victory by India against Sri Lanka in 2023.

South Africa narrowly sidestepped its lowest ODI total of 69, set against Australia in 1993.

England’s previous record for their largest win margin was a 242-run triumph against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.

Following Jacob Bethell’s explosive 110 from 82 balls and Joe Root’s classic 100, Archer dismantled the South African lineup.

Archer delivered outstanding figures of 4-18 over nine overs, taking out four of South Africa’s top five batsmen.

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This blistering display underscored Archer’s value to England, who hopes to keep him fit for the Ashes series in Australia later this year.

Having lost the series opener by seven wickets at Headingley and the second by five runs at Lord’s, England redeemed itself with this record-breaking performance.

England amassed its fifth-highest ODI total of 414-5, more than adequate to defeat South Africa.

Contributions from Jos Buttler, who remained not-out at 62, and Jamie Smith, who also scored 62, added to the run frenzy alongside the remarkable Bethell and consistent Root.

The dynamic innings from Bethell included 13 fours and three sixes, showcasing why he is being rapidly advanced in all formats by England.

He surpassed his previous career-best score of 96 from a 2024 Test match against New Zealand.

Historic collapse

Bethell admitted earlier this week that he wished he had played more cricket over the domestic summer to maintain his form.

Prior to this match, Bethell had faced only 387 balls this summer compared to 1,480 in 2024.

Set to become England’s youngest captain in an ODI series against Ireland later this month, Bethell had a modest return in his two Test innings against India, scoring just six and five.

After scoring only one against South Africa at Headingley but hitting 58 from 40 balls at Lord’s in a number four position, he carried that momentum into a more dazzling display on Sunday.

The Proteas’ chase began disastrously with Aiden Markram caught behind off Archer in the initial over.

Wiaan Mulder departed for zero in the next over, lofting Brydon Carse to Harry Brook.

Under skies that suddenly favored the bowlers, Archer tightened England’s grip, drawing an edge from Ryan Rickelton which left South Africa at 6-3.

With a formidable mix of pace and bounce, Archer proved too much, having Matthew Breetzke caught behind to thwart his attempt at a sixth consecutive ODI half-century.

Archer continued his onslaught, reaching speeds over 90 mph, as he had Tristan Stubbs caught in the slips by Will Jacks.

South Africa tumbled to 18-5, and shortly after, Carse added to their woes by having Dewald Brevis caught by Jamie Overton.

With Temba Bavuma unable to bat due to injury, only nine wickets were necessary for England’s victory.

Showing no mercy, England used Adil Rashid’s three wickets to seal a memorable end to a challenging series.

South Africa will seek redemption in the upcoming T20 series against England beginning on Wednesday.

Published on Sep 07, 2025