ENG vs SA (3rd ODI) – Highlights
In a stunning display of dominance, ENG crushed SA by a massive 342 runs in the third ODI at Southampton on September 7, 2025, completing a comprehensive series victory at home. The match will be remembered for England’s record-breaking batting performance, where they posted an imposing total of 414 for 5, leaving the South African side struggling to recover throughout their innings. The win highlighted England’s all-around supremacy, with exceptional contributions from their top and middle-order batsmen, and a ruthless bowling attack that left the visitors reeling.
England’s batting was a combination of aggression and thoughtfulness. Jamie Smith was aggressive with the bat to get a flier, and he played aggressively to score 62 off 48 balls with 9 fours and a six. England did not slow down after Smith’s dismissal, as Joe Root played the anchor role and played wonderfully well to reach an incredible 100 off 96 balls, with power and precision in his innings. Jacob Bethell was inspirational through his innings, scoring a remarkable 110 from just 82 balls- 13 fours, and 3 sixes.
While Ben Duckett managed 31, Jos Buttler turned the innings on its head, scoring a quick 62 off 32 balls with an impressive strike rate. Will Jacks then chipped in with 19 from only 8 balls, as ENG finished with a respectable 414 for 5 after 50 overs. Extras added a further 27, suggestive of the pressure the England bowlers were putting on their South African opponents from ball 1.
Chasing a near-impossible target, South Africa collapsed spectacularly under England’s relentless pace and spin attack. Jofra Archer led the charge with an incredible four-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in nine overs at an economy of 2.00. Brydon Carse backed him up well, taking two wickets for 33 runs in six overs. Adil Rashid was the pick of the spinners, claiming three crucial wickets for just 13 runs in 3.5 overs, while Jamie Overton bowled economically, keeping the pressure on the middle order.
The SA top order crumbled early, with Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Wiaan Mulder dismissed for single-digit scores, leaving the innings in shambles from the outset. Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis tried to provide some resistance but could not withstand the disciplined bowling, while Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch offered minor resistance before succumbing to Rashid’s spin. Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, was absent hurt, which further weakened their response.
The performance underlined England’s growing dominance in home conditions, where their aggressive approach has yielded phenomenal results. Their batsmen displayed the perfect combination of skill, timing, and power, while the bowlers executed with precision, leaving little room for opposition resistance.
England vs South Africa Scoreboard
England – 414/5 (50)
South Africa – 72/10 (20.5/50)
Result – England won by 342 runs
Player of the Match – Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer
ENG vs SA Playing XIs
England | Harry Brook (c), Joe Root, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse. |
South Africa | Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Codi Yusuf, Nandre Burger. |
