ENG vs SA: Fans go wild as Jacob Bethell shines with record-breaking maiden international hundred in the 3rd ODI

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In a significant moment for England cricket, young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has raced to his maiden century in the One-Day International format. The 21-year-old’s remarkable innings came in the third and final match of the ODI series against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. This stellar performance is particularly noteworthy as it marks Bethell’s first-ever century across all three formats of professional cricket, First-Class, List A, and T20. His knock provided a crucial boost to the England side, setting the stage for a strong total.

Bethell’s maiden ODI century was a masterclass in controlled aggression and smart batting. After openers Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith provided a solid start with a 59-run partnership, Bethell came to the crease with the score at 117/2. He then found excellent support from the experienced Joe Root, and the duo proceeded to build a decisive 150-plus stand. While Root focused on rotating the strike and building the innings steadily, Bethell took on the responsibility of accelerating the scoring, reaching the three-figure mark in a brisk 76 balls. This performance further highlights his impressive career stats in the short time he has played ODI cricket. In just 15 matches, Bethell has already accumulated over 450 runs at a healthy average of more than 42 and a strike rate of nearly 100. This century is his fifth 50-plus score in ODIs, with two of them coming against the Proteas, showcasing his strong form against a formidable opponent.

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With his scintillating knock, Bethell has etched his name into the record books, joining an elite list of England cricketers. At the age of 21 years and 319 days, he became the second-youngest England batter to score an ODI century, surpassing Craig Kieswetter and placing himself behind only the legendary David Gower. Furthermore, his innings broke another significant record by becoming the highest ODI score by an England number 4 batter against South Africa, surpassing the previous record of 107 held by the 2019 World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan. The 82-ball, 110-run knock also secured him the eighth spot on the list of highest individual scores for England against South Africa in ODI cricket, a list that features several English greats, including Jos Buttler, who holds the top spot. Bethell’s powerful and record-breaking performance not only bolstered England’s total but also cemented his status as a bright young talent with a promising future in international cricket.

Firsts are always special! ❤️

Well done on your maiden hundred in International cricket, Jacob Bethell. It’s just the start of the JB era. 💪🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #ENGvSA

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 7, 2025

Now that’s a special innings from Jacob Bethel .. 🙌

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 7, 2025

There it is! 😍

Jacob Bethell’s maiden international hundred 🔥

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2025

HUNDRED FOR JACOB BETHELL…!!!

– Hundred from just 76 balls, Maiden Hundred in International cricket, at the age of 21, he is making big steps in England Cricket. 🔥

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 7, 2025

HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL 100 🏏

Jacob Bethell 👏#EngVsSA

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) September 7, 2025

When I watch Bethell play, I want Bethell to start with Tim David.

When I watch Romario play, I want Romario to start with Tim David.

When I watch Livingstone play, I want Livingstone to start with Tim David.

What recruitment is this man 😭😭 We cooked auction

— Sai (@akakrcb6) September 7, 2025

Jacob Bethell Tim DavidJitesh Sharma

The future of RCB is in safe hands.

— Kevin (@imkevin149) September 7, 2025

Jacob Bethell raising the bat in international cricket. A sight I think we’re going to get very used to seeing in years to come. Special special talent.

— TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) September 7, 2025

People jumping on Jacob Bethell for a few bad knocks after zero cricket. Fact is, this lad is absolute class and is going to be in and around this England team for a long, long time to come. Prodigious talent, makes batting look so easy. #ENGvSA

— Dan Manley (@DanManley2501) September 7, 2025

England cricket looks secure with rising star Jacob Bethell at the crease! 🏏✨

The youngster registers his maiden international century 💯🔥 – a glimpse of the future in safe hands. 🙌🌟#JacobBethell #ENGCricket #ENGvSA #Hundred #ODI #CricketTwitter

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 7, 2025

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