Daijiworld Media Network – Southampton

Southampton, Sep 8: England created history in Southampton on Sunday, inflicting the heaviest defeat in ODI cricket as they thrashed South Africa by 342 runs. The Proteas were bundled out for just 72 in 20.5 overs while chasing a mammoth 415, surpassing India’s previous record 317-run win over Sri Lanka in 2023.

The hosts’ charge was powered by young sensation Jacob Bethell, who hammered a maiden ODI hundred (110 off 82 balls), and Joe Root’s classic ton. Their efforts propelled England to 414-5, the side’s fifth-highest ODI total. Jos Buttler (62*) and Jamie Smith (62) also contributed to the carnage.

Jofra Archer then ripped through South Africa’s top order with blistering pace, returning with figures of 4-18. He removed four of the top five batsmen, including skipper Temba Bavuma, who was sidelined with injury and did not bat. Adil Rashid added three wickets as the Proteas folded cheaply, narrowly avoiding their lowest-ever ODI total of 69 (vs Australia, 1993).

“It’s a downer. We were just poor in all departments,” Bavuma admitted after the crushing defeat. “With the ball at some point something went horribly wrong. Their bowlers really put us under pressure. To sum it up – a poor game of cricket from us.”

For England, the result was redemption after losing the first two games of the three-match series. Captain Harry Brook hailed it as “the ultimate performance,” praising both the batting firepower and Archer’s “rockets” that left South Africa rattled.

Bethell, just 21, not only registered his maiden ton but also cemented his rising star status, having already been named England’s youngest ODI captain for the upcoming Ireland series. His knock, studded with 13 fours and three sixes, showed why selectors are fast-tracking him across formats.

England’s record win has now set the tone ahead of future assignments, with Archer’s fiery form giving the team a major boost ahead of the Ashes later this year.