England Set New ODI Record with 342-Run Win vs South Africa

England vs South Africa ODI fans witnessed history in Southampton. The home side produced a ruthless display, handing the Proteas a crushing 342-run defeat, the heaviest in men’s ODIs.

The tone was set by young Jacob Bethell century. At just 21, he made his first best international hundred, reaching 110 from only 82 balls. His strokeplay carried both flair and maturity, and alongside him Joe Root looked untroubled while compiling his 19th ODI ton. Together they stitched a stand of 182 that left South Africa chasing leather for most of the afternoon. England finished on 414 for 5, Buttler adding late fireworks with an unbeaten 62 from 32.

Chasing 415, South Africa needed a miracle. Instead, they ran into Jofra Archer’s powerful spell trap. He struck with only his second ball, removing Aiden Markram, and then tore through the top order with a spell that left the visitors reeling at 28 for 4. Archer’s pace and bounce proved unplayable, his figures reading 4 for 18 from seven sharp overs. Adil Rashid then mopped up the tail with three wickets of his own.

The visitors collapsed to 72 all out inside 21 overs and that's how England made a record ODI win. Only a last-wicket stand of 15 saved them from their lowest ever ODI total. It was still a record thrashing, outshining India’s 317-run win over Sri Lanka two years ago.

England captain Harry Brook called it the “perfect response” after losing the first two games of the series. His opposite number Temba Bavuma, sidelined with a calf injury, admitted that “everything went wrong” for his side.

Bethell’s innings will dominate the headlines. His ability to counter spin and punish pace showed why selectors fast-tracked him. Root, meanwhile, reinforced his reputation as the calm anchor of England’s batting. And Archer’s fiery comeback is a reminder of just how lethal he can be when fully fit.

Even after the shocking defeat South Africa has won the series by 2-1. England, meanwhile, leave Southampton with confidence soaring and a new place in the record books. Catch more thrilling matches and follow the upcoming Eng vs SA T20s live on tapmad.