Fans react as England prevent whitewash with record 342-run victory in final ODI; South Africa win series 2-1

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In a sensational performance that restored pride and momentum, England thrashed South Africa by a world record 342 runs in the third and final One Day International in Southampton. Although South Africa had already clinched the series with victories in the first two matches, England delivered a powerful psychological blow ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series. The win by England secured a 2-1 series finish for South Africa, but the manner of England’s victory served as a definitive statement.

After being put in to bat by South Africa, England’s top order unleashed a relentless assault on a depleted Proteas bowling attack. Opener Jamie Smith provided a brisk start with a quickfire 62 from just 48 balls. However, the innings truly took flight with a monumental 182-run partnership for the third wicket between Joe Root and Jacob Bethell. The young all-rounder Bethell was particularly destructive, slamming his maiden professional century with a masterful 110 off 82 balls. Root, in his typical composed fashion, anchored the innings to reach his 19th ODI century with 100 from 96 deliveries. With the foundation set, Jos Buttler provided a furious finishing flourish, smashing an unbeaten 62 off just 32 balls. This collective batting effort propelled England to a mammoth total of 414 for five, their fifth-highest ODI score ever.

Also READ: ENG vs SA: Fans erupt as Joe Root lights up The Rose Bowl with a blistering century in the 3rd ODI

South Africa’s chase was an immediate and catastrophic collapse, leaving them reeling at 7/4 in their reply. The demolition was led by an inspired spell from fast bowler Jofra Archer, whose pace and bounce proved unplayable. Archer was in devastating form, taking 4/18 in his spell, including the key wicket of Matthew Breetzke, who had previously been in record-breaking form. The collapse was so complete that South Africa could only manage a total of 72 runs, with captain Temba Bavuma unable to bat due to a calf strain. Adil Rashid also contributed significantly with a return of 3/13. The 342-run margin of victory is the largest in the history of men’s ODI cricket, surpassing the previous record of 317 set by India against Sri Lanka in 2023. While the series trophy belongs to South Africa, England’s thumping win offers a stark warning and a significant morale boost heading into the T20I series.

England have just beaten South Africa by 342 runs in Southampton. That is the biggest margin of victory in the history of ODI cricket #ENGvSA

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) September 7, 2025

Embarrassing from South Africa even if they had already won the series, 342 run loss… nice to see England perform in an ODI for once. #ENGvSA

— Harry 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@harryxafc) September 7, 2025

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 VICTORY by 342 runs! 🦁

The biggest ever winning margin in Men's ODI cricket! 🙌

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2025

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE ‼️

England Men bowl South Africa out for just 72 and win by a mammoth 342 runs 😵

It's the largest victory by runs EVER in men's ODIs 🤯

Jofra Archer stars with 4-18 from nine overs 🔥

— Utilita Bowl (@UtilitaBowl) September 7, 2025

South Africa's largest two defeats in ODIs, by runs, have come in the last two weeks! 👀#ENGvSA

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) September 7, 2025

Player of the series against Australia and England. Number 1 ODI bowler for a reason! 👏👏👏 #ENGvSA

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) September 7, 2025

They suffer the worst defeat in the history of ODI cricket, go into the record books for wrong reason & then they lift the trophy & celebrate.

Eng bowled exceptionally well, no doubt but this wasn’t a pitch where an international team should get bundled out for 72.#ENGvSA

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) September 7, 2025

England has just defeated South Africa by 342 runs in the Southampton ODI, the third-biggest margin of victory by runs in List A cricket history, which is now the most significant margin in all ODI history!#ENGvSA

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 7, 2025

𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐀 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓435 – Tamil Nadu (506-2) v Arunachal Pradesh (71) (Bengaluru) 2022/23346 – Somerset (413-4) v Devon (67) (Torquay) 1990342 – England (414-5) v South Africa (72) (Southampton) 2025#EngvSA

— Richard V Isaacs (@RVICricketStats) September 7, 2025

HISTORIC! England crush South Africa by 342 runs in final game – the BIGGEST win in ODI history 🔥🏏

Scorecard: https://t.co/BGW7EBlAlj#ENGvSA #Cricket #ODI #JofraArcher #JoeRoot

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

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