England produced a historic performance in the third and final ODI against South Africa, registering a record 342-run victory at Southampton. Despite the emphatic win, the three-match series ended 2–1 in favor of South Africa.
Batting first, England piled up a colossal 414/5. Joe Root struck a classy 100, while Jacob Bethell smashed 110. Adding to the carnage, Jamie Smith and Jos Buttler chipped in with 62 runs each, ensuring England posted an almost unassailable total.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj managed two wickets apiece but found little support.
Chasing a mountain of runs, South Africa’s batting crumbled under relentless English pressure, dismissed for just 72 runs. England’s bowling spearhead Jofra Archer tore through the lineup with figures of 4 for 18, while Adil Rashid spun his way to 3 for 13.
Although England won the match in stunning fashion, the series belonged to South Africa (2–1). Jofra Archer was named Player of the Match, while Joe Root and Keshav Maharaj shared the Player of the Series award.
