A New Mark in the Record Books; South Africa Coach Speaks Out After 342-Run Defeat

England have set a new world record for the biggest win in terms of runs in ODI cricket. In the third and final ODI of the series, they thrashed South Africa by 342 runs, surpassing India’s previous record of a 317 run win against Sri Lanka in January 2023. South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad admitted the defeat against England was deeply embarrassing.

Having already secured the series by winning the first two matches, England entered the final ODI with little at stake. But their batters turned it into a historic outing. Sent in to bat, England posted a massive 414 for 5 in 50 overs. In reply, South Africa crumbled in just 125 balls, bowled out for 72, registering the heaviest defeat in ODI history.

Frustrated by the collapse, head coach Conrad expressed his disappointment at the post-match press conference:

“This has happened to us in Australia too. After going 2–0 up in a series, we completely fell apart. They (Australia, England) scored over 400. Our biggest problem is that we tend to play badly in matches that become dead rubbers. But we are not taking this lightly. This is a humiliating defeat.”

It could have been even worse for South Africa. Chasing 415, they slumped to 24 for 6 inside 9.5 overs. A seventh-wicket stand of 25 between Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch offered brief resistance, but Bosch’s 20 runs ended up as the team’s highest score.

England pacer Jofra Archer was the star performer, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs in 9 overs, including three maidens, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Conrad spoke firmly about the team’s poor display:

“There are no excuses. We played really badly today. When you face a top side like England and don’t give your best, this is exactly how you get crushed.”

This wasn’t the first time South Africa endured such a heavy beating. On 24 August, in the third ODI against Australia, centuries from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green powered Australia to 431. In reply, South Africa were dismissed for 155, losing by 276 runs. That record defeat has now been surpassed by this humiliation against England.

In England’s innings, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell both scored centuries to set up the record-breaking win.