A staggering display of power with the bat and a devastating exhibition of fast bowling saw England record the largest victory margin in the history of men’s One-Day International cricket, demolishing South Africa by a colossal 342 runs.
The dead-rubber fixture, the final match of a series already won by the Proteas, was transformed into a one-sided spectacle of record-breaking proportions. England, batting first, amassed a monumental total of 414 for five, their fifth-highest ODI score ever.
The innings was built upon magnificent centuries from two batters at opposite ends of their careers. Joe Root, a veteran of the international scene, compiled a masterful 73rd international hundred. He was joined at the crease by the young Jacob Bethell, who seized the occasion to blast a thrilling maiden professional century, a breakthrough innings that had long been anticipated.
Further explosive contributions came from Jamie Smith and Jos Buttler, who both raced to scores of 62, ensuring the South African bowlers were put to the sword throughout the full 50 overs.
Any remote hope of a South African chase was extinguished almost immediately by the returning Jofra Archer. In a spell of breathtaking pace and precision, Archer produced one of the most destructive opening bursts ever witnessed. His first five overs included three maiden overs in which he also took wickets, leaving the hosts reeling at 19 for five. He would finish with four wickets for a paltry five runs from his first seven overs.
With their captain, Temba Bavuma, sidelined by injury and unable to bat, South Africa’s innings was a procession. They were bundled out for a meagre 72, their second-lowest total, to complete a humiliating defeat.
Reflecting on his spell, Archer noted the rare feeling of complete control. “There are days when you release the ball and every single delivery lands exactly where you want it to,” he said. “For the most part, today was one of those days.”
For Bethell, the match was a career-defining moment. After reaching his hundred, he sprinted down the pitch with arms outstretched before being engulfed in a celebratory embrace by Root, a poignant image of experience and youth uniting in triumph.
The South African camp was left to ponder an “embarrassing” performance, with their head coach acknowledging the team was completely “off” and thoroughly exposed by a superior opponent on the day. The result marks the fourth consecutive ODI series in which South Africa has lost the final match after already securing the series win.
