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History in Southampton! England script the biggest-ever win in ODI history against South Africa, breaking India’s record of a 317-run margin.

Jofra Archer stole the show in England’s historic win over South Africa.
(AFP Photo)
England scripted ODI history at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday (September 7) by thumping South Africa by the highest-ever margin of 342 runs. The previous world record was India’s 317-run win over Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2023.
The hosts put up a humongous first innings score of 414/5, set up by centuries from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell. Showcasing the present and future of England, the duo strung a 182-run stand for the third wicket. Bethell hit his first century in professional cricket while Root smashed his 19th in ODIs alone.
Jos Buttler’s quickfire 62 (32) capped it well, asking the visitors to score 415 for a series clean sweep.
But in reply, the Proteas lost their first six wickets inside the power play, thanks to a super spell by Jofra Archer (who took the wickets of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in back-to-back maidens) and good support from Brydon Carse. Batting without skipper Temba Bavuma, who picked up an injury in the first innings, South Africa continued to tumble like a pack of cards, and leg-spinner Adil Rashid sealed his side’s triuph with three scalps.
It was a much-needed win for Harry Brook’s men, who had already lost the three-match series 2-0, but needed some confidence going ahead.
Biggest wins in ODI history (by runs)
TEAM | MARGIN | TARGET | AGAINST | VENUE | DATE |
England | 342 | 415 | South Africa | Southampton | September 7, 2025 |
India | 317 | 391 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | January 15, 2023 |
Australia | 309 | 400 | Netherlands | New Delhi | October 25, 2023 |
Zimbabwe | 304 | 409 | USA | Harare | June 26, 2023 |
India | 302 | 358 | Sri Lanka | Mumbai (WS) | November 2, 2023 |
New Zealand | 290 | 403 | Ireland | Aberdeen | July 1, 2008 |
Australia | 276 | 432 | South Africa | Mackay | August 24, 2025 |
Australia | 275 | 418 | Afghanistan | Perth (WACA) | March 4, 2015 |
South Africa | 272 | 400 | Zimbabwe | Benoni | October 22, 2010 |
South Africa | 258 | 302 | Sri Lanka | Paarl | January 11, 2012 |
India | 257 | 414 | Bermuda | Port of Spain | March 19, 2007 |
South Africa | 257 | 409 | West Indies | Sydney | February 27, 2015 |
Australia | 256 | 302 | Namibia | Potchefstroom | February 27, 2003 |
India | 256 | 375 | Hong Kong | Karachi | June 25, 2008 |
Pakistan | 255 | 338 | Ireland | Dublin | August 18, 2016 |
Biggest defeats for South Africa in ODI history (by runs)
It was also the biggest-ever defeat for the Proteas in the format. Interestingly, their second-worst defeat came only last month against Australia, when they were similarly leading the ODI series 2-0.
MARGIN | TARGET | OPPONENT | VENUE | DATE |
342 | 415 | England | Southampton | September 7, 2025 |
276 | 432 | Australia | Mackay | August 24, 2025 |
243 | 327 | India | Kolkata | November 5, 2023 |
182 | 336 | Pakistan | Gqeberha | December 11, 2002 |
180 | 321 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | July 20, 2013 |
178 | 300 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | August 12, 2018 |
September 07, 2025, 21:56 IST
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