England beat South Africa by 342 runs in ODI, record margin

England produced the largest victory by runs in men’s one-day international history on Sunday, crushing South Africa by 342 runs at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Sent in, the hosts piled up 414 for 5 in 50 overs — driven by centuries from Joe Root and 21-year-old Jacob Bethell — before pacer Jofra Archer and England’s bowlers skittled the Proteas for 72 in 20.5 overs to seal a remarkable finale to the three-match series.

Bethell struck his maiden ODI hundred, scoring 110 off 82 balls and sharing a 182-run third-wicket stand with Root, who made 100 off 96. Jos Buttler’s late acceleration, an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls, helped England reach the 415-run target they set. Opener Jamie Smith also made a brisk 62 and Ben Duckett chipped in early with 31.

Chasing 415 to level the series, South Africa’s innings collapsed under ruthless new-ball bowling. Archer produced a devastating spell, finishing with four wickets for 18 runs in nine overs and repeatedly exceeding 90 miles per hour. Archer removed key batsmen early, and Adil Rashid followed with three wickets as the visitors tumbled. Brydon Carse also claimed two scalps. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram and other top-order batters were...