England routs South Africa in third ODI, beats by 342 runs

England thrashed South Africa by a record 342 runs in the third ODI at Southampton, posting 414-5 before bowling out the Proteas for 72. Jofra Archer starred with 4-18

Southampton (England): England won by the biggest margin of victory in one-day international cricket on Sunday, beating South Africa by 342 runs.

Pacer Jofra Archer took four wickets and England restored some pride to deny South Africa a series sweep in the third and final ODI.

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Batting first after losing the toss, England scored 414-5 in 50 overs at Southampton’s Rose Bowl with centuries from Joe Root (100) and 21-year-old Jacob Bethell (110). Jos Buttler smashed a 32-ball 62 not out. Opener Jamie Smith also hit 62 in 48 deliveries.

In reply, South Africa was dismissed for 72 in 20.5 overs after being reduced to 24-6 at one point. Temba Bavuma was injured while fielding and did not bat.

Archer took four wickets for only five runs in his first five overs and finished with figures of 4-18 in nine overs.

India held the previous winning margin record of 317 runs against Sri Lanka in 2023. Dozens of teams have won by the maximum number of wickets (10) but this is the highest winning margin by runs.

South Africa won the series 2-1. It had already clinched the series with a game to spare Thursday after a five-run win in the second match.

England was skittled for 131 on the way to losing the first match by seven wickets at Headingley.

A three-match T20 series between the two teams starts in Cardiff on Wednesday.