Largest One-Day International (ODI) victories, comprehensive list: England claim a new record as South Africa contribute a second entry within a month

England Sets Record for Largest Margin of Victory in Men's ODIs

In a historic performance, England defeated South Africa by an astounding 342 runs in the third ODI at Southampton in 2023, setting a new record for the biggest margin of victory in men's One Day Internationals (ODIs) by runs.

Joe Root led the charge for England, scoring a brilliant 100 runs off just 96 balls. Jacob Bethell also contributed significantly with an impressive 110 runs in 82 deliveries. The English team posted a formidable total of 414-5, a score that South Africa found nearly impossible to chase.

In response, South Africa struggled from the outset. They were bowled out for a paltry 72 runs, marking the largest margin of victory in men's ODIs in terms of runs. Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were the pick of the English bowlers, taking 2 wickets each for 33 and 18 runs respectively. Adil Rashid also chipped in with 3 wickets for 13 runs.

The match, however, was a dead-rubber, with England already conceding a 0-2 lead in the series. Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to field for South Africa, but his decision backfired spectacularly.

This record-breaking win surpassed England's previous best of 317 runs against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram in 2023, where India currently holds the second-largest margin of victory by runs in men's ODIs.

Australia also holds two spots in the top ten largest margins of victory in men's ODIs, having defeated Netherlands by 309 runs in Delhi in 2023 and South Africa by 276 runs in Mackay in 2025. Zimbabwe holds the fourth largest margin of victory, having defeated USA by 304 runs in Harare in 2023.

In women's ODIs, New Zealand holds the record for the largest victory margin by runs, with a 408-run win against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1997. England's 342-run win against South Africa is the fifth largest in women's ODIs.

The 2025 Southampton ODI between England and South Africa remains the biggest margin of victory in terms of wickets left, with England scoring 414-5 and South Africa being bowled out for 72. This is the sixth largest margin of victory in men's ODIs, with 66 ten-wicket wins being the biggest margin in terms of wickets left.

In another notable achievement, England's win against South Africa left them with 277 balls in hand, the biggest margin in terms of balls left in a match, set by England in the 1979 World Cup game at Old Trafford against Canada, where England bowled out Canada for 45 and chased the target in just 13.5 overs, leaving them with 277 balls in hand.

This record-breaking win by England is a testament to their prowess in the cricket field and a milestone in the history of men's ODIs.

Largest One-Day International (ODI) victories, comprehensive list: England claim a new record as South Africa contribute a second entry within a month