South Africa Suffers Humiliating World Record Loss by 342 Runs

Having already secured the series by winning the first two matches, South Africa faced an extraordinary and humiliating defeat in the final ODI at Southampton against England. It was a record loss by the largest margin in ODI history.

England posted over 400 runs, powered by centuries from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, along with explosive fifties from Jamie Smith and Jos Buttler. In response, Temba Bavuma’s South African side collapsed spectacularly for just 72 runs, with Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid wreaking havoc with the ball. The result was a staggering 342-run defeat, setting a new record for the biggest margin of loss in ODI cricket.

Previously, the record for the largest margin of defeat was held by Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 50 chasing India’s 391 in the 2023 Asia Cup final, losing by 317 runs.

At Southampton, after losing the toss, England opted to bat first and created history against the Proteas. They posted 414/5 in 50 overs, England’s highest ODI total against South Africa. The previous record was 399/9 at Bloemfontein in 2016. Chasing this mammoth target, South Africa collapsed in just 20.5 overs, managing only 72 runs, resulting in the 342-run record defeat. Despite the huge loss, South Africa had already won the series 2-1 by clinching the first two matches.

England’s openers gave their team a flying start. The opening partnership added 59 runs before Ben Duckett, scoring 31 off 33 balls, was dismissed. South Africa struck again at 117, but Jamie Smith held one end, scoring a brilliant 62 off 48 balls with 9 fours and 1 six.

Jacob Bethell and Joe Root then shared a massive 182-run third-wicket partnership. Bethell reached his maiden ODI century off 76 balls, scoring 110 (13 fours, 3 sixes) before being dismissed at 299/3 in 40.2 overs. Harry Brook contributed but was dismissed at 302. Root added 100 off 96 balls with 6 fours. England finished strong with Jos Buttler smashing 62 off 32 balls (8 fours, 1 six) alongside Will Jacks, who scored 19 off 8 balls (2 fours, 1 six).

For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch took two wickets each.