England delivered an extraordinary performance at Southampton's Utilita Bowl, crushing South Africa by an unprecedented 342 runs to secure the most emphatic victory by runs in men's ODI cricket history.
The hosts surpassed India's previous record of 317 runs against Sri Lanka from 2023, salvaging pride after dropping the opening two matches of the series.
The Proteas capitulated for a mere 72 runs in just 20.5 overs whilst pursuing England's imposing total of 414-5.
This remarkable triumph prevented a series whitewash for England, who had fallen by seven wickets at Leeds and suffered a narrow five-run defeat at Lord's.
Jofra Archer took four wickets en route to England's crushing victory over South Africa
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Young Jacob Bethell announced himself on the international stage with a scintillating maiden professional century, racing to three figures from merely 76 deliveries.
The left-hander's explosive knock of 110 from 82 balls featured thirteen boundaries and three maximums, forming the backbone of England's formidable total.
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Bethell combined brilliantly with Joe Root, who crafted his own century from 96 deliveries, as the pair accumulated 182 runs for the third wicket.
Captain Jos Buttler provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 62 from just 32 balls, whilst Jamie Smith contributed a rapid 62 from 48 deliveries to propel England beyond 400.
Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell were the stars of the show for England
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Jofra Archer produced a devastating spell of fast bowling that decimated South Africa's batting order, claiming four wickets for just 18 runs.
The paceman struck with his second delivery, finding Aiden Markram's edge, before Ryan Rickelton fell to his impeccable line.
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Matthew Breetzke's sequence of five consecutive fifty-plus scores ended when Archer's bouncer caught him off guard, resulting in his dismissal for four.
Tristan Stubbs became Archer's fourth victim in the powerplay's final over, edging to second slip for 10.
Brydon Carse joined the destruction, dismissing Wiaan Mulder for a duck and removing Dewald Brevis cheaply, as South Africa crumbled to 24-6 within ten overs.
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Jacob Bethell hit the first century of his international career
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Adil Rashid completed the rout with three wickets for 13 runs, as South Africa's innings concluded in humiliating fashion.
The tourists were handicapped by captain Temba Bavuma's absence due to a calf injury, reducing England's task to nine wickets.
South Africa finished the day on 72 runs
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The comprehensive nature of this victory marked a stunning reversal of fortunes for England, who had struggled badly in the series opener when they managed only 131 runs.
This historic triumph at Southampton demonstrated England's capacity for dramatic comebacks, transforming potential embarrassment into a record-breaking achievement that will resonate throughout cricket history.