Bethell, Root, and Archer Shine as England Delivers Record-Breaking Victory

Bethell, Root, and Archer Shine as England Delivers Record-Breaking Victory

England vs South Africa: England produced a record-breaking performance in Southampton, beating South Africa by 342 runs and a record for the biggest win in men's ODI history. Jacob Bethell's maiden century, Joe Root's class and Jofra Archer's fiery spell bowled out the Proteas at 72.

England ended their ODI series against South Africa with a bang, winning the third match by a massive 342 runs in Southampton. It was their biggest win ever in one-day cricket and a strong response after losing the first two games. The star of the day was 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who scored his first professional century 110 runs off just 82 balls. His performance was more than South Africa’s entire team managed together, as they were bowled out for just 72.

Bethell’s innings was full of confidence and power. He attacked early, especially against spinner Keshav Maharaj, hitting three sixes in a row. He reached his hundred with a beautiful cover drive and celebrated by running toward the pavilion with his arms wide open. At just 21, he became the second-youngest England player to score a century in men’s ODIs. His partnership with Joe Root was key they added 182 runs together and set the stage for England’s huge total of 414 for 5.

Joe Root played a calm and classic innings, scoring 100 off 95 balls. It was his 19th ODI century, more than any other England batter. He didn’t rely on big shots instead, he ran hard between the wickets, collecting singles, twos, and even threes to keep the scoreboard ticking. Root’s steady hand allowed Bethell to play freely and aggressively.

England’s innings started well after being asked to bat first. They reached 59 runs in the ninth over before Ben Duckett was dismissed with a top-edged pull shot. Jamie Smith looked in great touch again, scoring 62, but was caught at long-on just after the drinks break. Even after losing Bethell and captain Harry Brook in the same over, England didn’t slow down. Jos Buttler and Will Jacks finished the innings strongly, with Buttler smashing 62 off just 32 balls. He hit sixes, scoops, and clever ramps, while Jacks added a straight six that coincided with the government’s emergency alarm test, causing phones in the crowd to buzz.

South Africa’s bowling was poor. They gave away 27 extra runs, including 19 wides. Nandre Burger had a tough day, conceding 95 runs in his 10 overs the most ever by a South African in ODIs. Codi Yusuf, playing his first match, gave away 80 runs and didn’t take a wicket. He later became one of Adil Rashid’s three victims as England cleaned up the tail.

In reply, South Africa’s batting collapsed quickly. Jofra Archer bowled with serious pace and accuracy, taking four wickets for just 18 runs in nine overs. He dismissed Aiden Markram with his second ball, then got Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, and Tristan Stubbs all within his opening spell. His speed reached 93 mph (150 kph), and South Africa’s batters struggled to handle it. Stubbs and Corbin Bosch were even hit on the body during Archer’s fiery spell.

Brydon Carse supported Archer well, taking two wickets, including Wiaan Mulder and Dewald Brevis. Adil Rashid finished the job, taking three wickets to wrap up the innings. South Africa were all out for 72 in just 20.5 overs. Their only bright spot was a last-wicket stand of 15 runs, which helped them avoid their lowest-ever ODI score of 69.

Captain Harry Brook called it the “ultimate performance” from England, while South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma admitted it was a poor display. He didn’t bat due to a calf injury and lifted the series trophy with little celebration, knowing his team had been completely outplayed.

Bethell’s century was a big moment in his career. He had struggled in England’s recent Test match against India, and many questioned his readiness. But this innings showed his true potential. He’s now scored at least 50 in four of his six ODI innings this year and looks set to become a regular in England’s white-ball teams. If he continues this form, he could even push for a spot in the Test team for the Ashes series in Australia later this year.

South Africa had hoped to sweep the series 3–0, which would have been England’s first home whitewash since 2006. But they lacked energy and focus in this final match. They rested Lungi Ngidi and dropped key catches most notably, Burger dropped Bethell on 44, which proved costly.

For England, this win was a reminder of their strength when everything clicks. They scored over 400 runs for the seventh time in ODIs and showed that even after a tough series, they can bounce back in style.