Bethell hundred and Archer burst power England to record 342-run win over South Africa

Jacob Bethell’s maiden one-day international century and a hostile new-ball spell from Jofra Archer helped England to a 342-run victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Sunday, the largest winning margin by runs in men’s ODI history.

England piled up 414 for five in their 50 overs, with Bethell making 110 while Joe Root also registered a century and Jos Buttler finished 62 not out from 32 balls. South Africa were dismissed for 72 in 20.5 overs as Archer finished with 4-18 and Adil Rashid claimed three late wickets. The Proteas had already secured the series after wins at Headingley and Lord’s, taking the three-match contest 2-1.

Bethell, 21, long tipped for a bright future, was promoted to number four and produced a fluent 110 from the middle order, striking 16 boundaries and three sixes. He and Root added 182 for the partnership that laid the foundation for England’s total. Root’s innings anchored the innings and helped England to their highest ODI total in three years and their best at home since 2018.

England’s innings featured a late acceleration. Buttler arrived at the crease in the 41st over and unleashed a sequence of powerful strikes, ensuring England finished with a commanding score. South Africa’s fielding and bowling lapses contributed to England’s platform: the Proteas conceded 19 wides and missed a key chance when Nandre Burger dropped Bethell on 44.

When South Africa batted under floodlights in overcast conditions, England took control immediately. Archer’s new-ball burst — which reached speeds above 90mph — produced four top-order wickets, reducing the visitors to 24 for six and effectively ending the contest as a contest. Archer’s early figures read 4-10 after seven overs before he finished 4-18. Rashid’s three wickets completed the innings collapse. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was unable to bat after suffering a calf problem while fielding.

The result offered a strong morale boost for England after a difficult period in the 50-over format, even though the series had already been decided. Team management will welcome the emergence of Bethell, who had played little county cricket this season and acknowledged he should have done more to maintain rhythm. His century made him England’s second-youngest ODI centurion, following David Gower.

South Africa’s performance in the final game contrasted sharply with the form that had secured them the series. Several bowlers produced expensive figures, with Burger among them, and the missed opportunities in the field and wides added to the scoreboard pressure.

The two teams now switch formats: England and South Africa begin a three-match T20 series on Wednesday, with the first game scheduled in Cardiff. England’s emphatic victory in the dead rubber underlined the depth of their white-ball talent while offering the Proteas immediate questions to address after a swift batting collapse in the finale.