England clinch record-shattering victory in final ODI

England registered a massive 342-run victory over South Africa in the final ODI at Southampton on Sunday, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory by runs in ODIs. Their win surpassed the previous record by 25 runs, which was held by India after their 317-run triumph over Sri Lanka in 2023.

With South Africa already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, England entered the final ODI in Southampton aiming to avoid a whitewash. After being sent in to bat, they made South Africa regret the decision quickly, racing to 100 runs in just 13.4 overs. Jamie Smith led the charge with a quickfire 62 off 48 balls, supported well by Ben Duckett’s 31.

The real onslaught came from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, who combined for a massive 182-run partnership. Bethell blasted his maiden international century with a scintillating 110 off 82 balls, while Root played a masterful innings to register his 19th ODI century. At just 21, Bethell has become the second-youngest England player to score a men’s ODI hundred.

Jos Buttler compounded South Africa’s woes by smashing 62 runs off just 32 balls, helping England post a colossal total of 414.

Chasing a massive total, South Africa faced added pressure when their skipper, Temba Bavuma, who had suffered a calf strain while fielding, was unable to bat, leaving the team a batter short.

Their troubles deepened as Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse struck early, claiming three wickets within the first three overs with a fiery new-ball spell.

The pair didn’t ease up, continuing to wreak havoc by claiming another three wickets, leaving South Africa reeling at 24/6 at the end of first PowerPlay. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj added 20 runs together, marking South Africa’s biggest partnership of the match but it was Adil Rashid’s spin that sealed the win for the hosts, helping England secure a record-breaking victory.

Despite the record loss, this result marks South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998 and spinner Maharaj was named Man of the Series.

Both sides will now face each other in a three-match T20I series starting September 10.

Proteas T20I squad against England

Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors) and Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans).

Fixtures (all times local)

First T20I - Wednesday, 10 September at 6.30pm - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Second T20I - Friday, 12 September at 6.30pm - Old Trafford, Manchester

Third T20I - Sunday, 14 September at 2.30pm - Trent Bridge, Nottingham