TNT Sports
Harry Brooks hails 'frightening' Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell scores maiden century as England secure win over South Africa by record margin
By
Published 07/09/2025 at 18:55 GMT+1
England's exciting young batsman Jacob Bethell scored his first-ever professional century as he helped his side defeat South Africa by 342 runs in their One Day International dead rubber on Sunday. Bethell hit 110 from 82 deliveries ahead of an outstanding spell from England bowler Jofra Archer, ably assisted by spin veteran Adil Rashid. Captain Harry Brook celebrated "the ultimate performance".
Stokes admits to 'disappointment and frustration' at drawn India series
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jacob Bethell scored his first professional century as England crushed South Africa by 342 runs in the final One Day International of the series in Southampton.
The pressure was off both sides as South Africa came into the match with an unassailable 2-0 lead, and Bethell scored an outstanding 110 runs from 82 balls as his team reached 414-5.
Bethell’s century made him the second-youngest England player to score a century in an ODI match, per the BBC.
The visitors had their chances to arrest his progress, but dropped him on 44. They also conceded 19 wides as they looked well off the pace compared to their first two showings in the series - as England secured victory by a record margin in ODI cricket.
Bethell scored 58 at Lord’s on Thursday but topped that effort by hitting 16 boundaries - 13 fours and three sixes - on his way to a maiden ton.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/08/24/image-aadd1ca5-91ef-4114-8cdb-d726626b3bc6-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'What a catch!' - Labuschagne dives headlong to dismiss Mulder
Video credit: TNT Sports
He put on a partnership of 182 alongside the more experienced Joe Root, who scored 100 off 96 balls. Jos Buttler then came in to add momentum with 62 off just 32 deliveries as England set South Africa a daunting target of 415 for victory.
The chase never got off the ground, as the tourists lost opener Aiden Markram second ball and were reduced to 8-4.
Jofra Archer did the majority of th damage, with Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs his victims in a superb spell of 4-18.
Adil Rashid claimed figures of 3-13, and Brydon Carse also took two wickets as South Africa were shot out for 72 - for an England winning margin of 342 runs.
With the series over, England have at least secured some encouragement ahead of the T20 matches ahead.
Speaking after the win, captain Harry Brook celebrated the "ultimate performance" after their two earlier disappointments.
He said: "The ultimate performance. We were awesome with the bat, put them under pressure all the way through that innings and the bowling just speaks for itself, really."
Asked if this batting performance should be the template for future efforts, he agreed, adding: "Yeah, definitely. If we get in on good surfaces like that there's no reason why we can't get 400-450 each time we bat with our line-up. We've got seven top-order batters, it's the blueprint and the template we want to use going forward."
Discussing Bethell’s impressive century contribution, he suggested the player may now bat higher up the order more consistently.
- 'Not our night' - England fall short as South Africa clinch ODI series at Lord
- Australia captain Cummins 'willing to take a few risks' to return for Ashes
He explained: "Jacob is very good against spin and especially against left-arm spin, so it means they have to hold one of their main threats back longer. It's something we'll probably keep doing in the future, but not necessarily every game.
"Joe and Jos have been doing that for years now. Rooty is phenomenal, just amazing to play alongside, and then Jos can take any team apart.
"It was awesome to see Jofra bowling rockets there. To have that in your side, it's quite frightening."
The two sides kick off the three-match T20 series on Wednesday in Cardiff, Wales.
Watch and stream top cricket action, including the 2025/26 Ashes series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement