New Delhi: Sunday in Southampton was no less than a nightmare for the South African cricket team. England forced them to suffer the biggest defeat in ODI history. England won by a record margin of 342 runs and bowled out South Africa for 72 runs. In this match, England’s batsmen performed brilliantly and Jofra Archer bowled lethally. Despite this defeat, South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2-1.
How did England bat?
Batting first, England scored a huge score of 414 for five wickets. This is their fifth-highest score in ODI cricket. Young batsman Jacob Bethell scored the first century of his career. He scored 110 runs in 82 balls, which included 13 fours and three sixes. Along with him, Joe Root also scored a brilliant 100 runs. Captain Jos Buttler (62 not out) and opener Jamie Smith (62) increased the run rate and increased the difficulties of the South African bowlers.
What was South Africa’s reply?
Chasing the target, South Africa had a very bad start. Archer wreaked havoc with the new ball and shattered South Africa’s top order for just 18 runs. He took four wickets for just 18 runs in nine overs. He got captain Aiden Markram out in the very first over and got in-form Matthew Breetzke out cheaply. After this, Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid wrapped up the lower order. Rashid got three wickets.
From South Africa, only Corbin Bosch (20 runs) could hold on for a while, but the team collapsed for 72 in the 21st over. Regular captain Temba Bavuma did not play due to injury, which weakened the batting even more. This defeat became the biggest run difference defeat of any team in the history of ODI cricket. The previous record was made by India in 2023 by defeating Sri Lanka by 317 runs.
Biggest wins in ODIs (by runs)
| Difference (by runs) | Winning Team | Losing Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 342 | England | South Africa | 2025 |
| 317 | India | Sri Lanka | 2023 |
| 309 | Australia | Netherlands | 2023 |
| 304 | Zimbabwe | USA | 2023 |
| 302 | India | Sri Lanka | 2023 |
| 290 | New Zealand | Ireland | 2008 |
Story Highlights:
- England won by a record margin of 342 runs and bowled out South Africa for 72 runs.
- Young batter Jacob Bethell scored the first century of his career.
- Joe Root also scored a brilliant century.
- England forced South Africa to suffer the biggest defeat in ODI history.
About the Author
