England scripted history as they notched up largest victory in ODI history with 342-run win over South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on September 7. This monumental win surpassed the previous world record for the largest victory by runs, which was India's 317-run triumph over Sri Lanka in January 2023.
England register biggest-ever ODI win over South Africa
The foundation for England's dominant performance was a colossal first-innings total of 414/5. The innings was powered by centuries from the experienced Joe Root, who scored his 19th ODI hundred, and rising star Jacob Bethell, who recorded his first-ever century in professional cricket. The pair formed a formidable 182-run partnership for the third wicket, which was later complemented by a rapid 62 off 32 balls from Jos Buttler, setting South Africa an imposing target of 415.
In response, the South African batting lineup crumbled dramatically, losing their first six wickets within the initial powerplay. Jofra Archer delivered a devastating opening spell, claiming the wickets of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in consecutive maiden overs, with effective support from Brydon Carse. The situation worsened for the Proteas as they were batting without their captain, Temba Bavuma, who had sustained an injury during the first innings. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid then cleaned up the tail with three wickets to seal the emphatic victory for England.
While Harry Brook's team had already conceded the three-match series after losing the first two games, this victory provided a significant confidence boost. The result also marked South Africa's heaviest defeat in ODI history. Coincidentally, their second-largest loss also occurred recently, just last month against Australia, in a series they were also leading 2-0 at the time.
Teams with biggest wins in ODI history (by runs):
| TEAM | MARGIN | TARGET | AGAINST | VENUE | DATE |
| England | 342 | 415 | South Africa | Southampton | September 7, 2025 |
| India | 317 | 391 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | January 15, 2023 |
| Australia | 309 | 400 | Netherlands | New Delhi | October 25, 2023 |
| Zimbabwe | 304 | 409 | USA | Harare | June 26, 2023 |
| India | 302 | 358 | Sri Lanka | Mumbai (WS) | November 2, 2023 |
| New Zealand | 290 | 403 | Ireland | Aberdeen | July 1, 2008 |
| Australia | 276 | 432 | South Africa | Mackay | August 24, 2025 |
| Australia | 275 | 418 | Afghanistan | Perth (WACA) | March 4, 2015 |
| South Africa | 272 | 400 | Zimbabwe | Benoni | October 22, 2010 |
| South Africa | 258 | 302 | Sri Lanka | Paarl | January 11, 2012 |
| India | 257 | 414 | Bermuda | Port of Spain | March 19, 2007 |
| South Africa | 257 | 409 | West Indies | Sydney | February 27, 2015 |
| Australia | 256 | 302 | Namibia | Potchefstroom | February 27, 2003 |
| India | 256 | 375 | Hong Kong | Karachi | June 25, 2008 |
| Pakistan | 255 | 338 | Ireland | Dublin | August 18, 2016 |
South Africa and England will meet again for a three-match T20I series which is set to start from September 10.