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England’s recent triumph over South Africa in the third ODI showcased the most dominant display in cricket history. The match, held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, saw England post a commanding score of 414-5, leading to a crushing victory by 342 runs. South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled dramatically, collapsing to 18-5 early in their innings and eventually being bowled out for just 72 runs in 20.5 overs. Despite England already losing the series 2-0, Jacob Bethell‘s maiden professional century of 110 and Jofra Archer‘s devastating 4-18 bowling figures created cricket history. This victory not only broke India‘s previous record but also highlighted England’s explosive potential when their young stars shine alongside experienced campaigners.
Top 5 largest win margins in ODIs
- England’s historic record-breaking performance: 342 Runs Victory – Southampton, September 7, 2025
In what represents the most dominant performance in ODI history, England demolished South Africa by 342 runs at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. This historic margin eclipsed India’s previous record of 317 runs, establishing a new benchmark for ODI supremacy that may stand for years to come.
Batting first, England constructed their assault through Bethell’s spectacular maiden century. The 21-year-old left-hander, fast-tracked into all formats despite minimal county experience, played a sparkling knock of 110 off 82 balls. His innings featured 13 fours and three sixes, announcing his arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion. Bethell formed a crucial 182-run partnership with Joe Root, who contributed a fluent 100 off 96 balls, before Jos Buttler provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 62 from 32 deliveries.
The foundation for England’s fifth-highest ODI total of 414-5 was built on aggressive batting and South Africa’s wayward bowling, which included 19 wides. However, it was Archer who transformed a competitive total into a record-breaking rout. The fast bowler charged in at over 90 mph, claiming 4-18 in nine overs and dismantling South Africa’s top order. Archer removed stand-in captain Aiden Markram with the second ball of the innings and the dangerous Matthew Breetzke, leaving the Proteas reeling at 18-5. Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid completed the demolition, with Rashid contributing 3-13 as South Africa collapsed to their second-lowest ODI total ever.
- India’s 317 Runs Victory – Thiruvananthapuram, January 15, 2023
Until England’s record-breaking performance, India held the distinction of cricket’s largest ODI victory with their 317-run triumph over Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This historic victory showcased India at their most dominant, combining batting brilliance with clinical bowling execution.
India’s batting masterclass was orchestrated by Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 166 off 110 balls, striking his 46th ODI century in what was a stunning return to form. The innings marked Kohli’s third century in four matches and moved him within three centuries of Sachin Tendulkar‘s ODI record of 49. Shubman Gill complemented Kohli’s brilliance with 116 off 97 balls, marking his second ODI century. Their commanding partnership propelled India to a formidable 390/5, setting a target that proved insurmountable.
Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed spectacularly under India’s pace attack. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the demolition with figures of 4-32, supported by Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed two wickets each. Sri Lanka managed only 73 runs in 22 overs, with merely three batters reaching double figures. Siraj was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance that sealed India’s largest-ever ODI victory.
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- Australia’s 309 Runs Victory – Delhi, October 25, 2023
Australia‘s 309-run demolition of the Netherlands at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium during the World Cup showcased the gulf between established cricket powers and associate nations. This comprehensive victory broke multiple records and demonstrated Australia’s ruthless efficiency when their batting clicked into gear.
Glenn Maxwell delivered one of cricket’s most breathtaking innings, smashing the fastest World Cup century off just 40 balls to better South Africa’s Aiden Markram‘s previous record of 43 balls. Maxwell’s 106 from 44 balls featured nine fours and eight sixes in a display of pure hitting mastery that left spectators and opponents stunned. David Warner provided the foundation with his second consecutive World Cup century, scoring 104 off 93 balls, while Steve Smith (71) and Marnus Labuschagne (62) ensured Australia reached their World Cup total of 399/8.
The Netherlands never mounted a serious challenge to the massive target. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc‘s early breakthrough, reduced the Dutch batting to ruins. Adam Zampa‘s spin proved lethal in the middle overs, claiming 4-8 as the Netherlands collapsed to 90 all out in just 21 overs. This victory marked Australia’s biggest-ever ODI win, the largest margin in World Cup history, and the third-largest in ODI cricket overall.
- Zimbabwe’s 304 Runs Victory – Harare, June 26, 2023
Zimbabwe‘s 304-run victory over the United States at Harare Sports Club during the World Cup Qualifier represents one of the most surprising entries in cricket’s record books. This comprehensive victory demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to produce exceptional cricket when their key players performed in unison.
Sean Williams produced a career-defining innings that will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in ODI cricket. The captain blasted 174 off 101 balls, featuring 21 fours and five sixes in a display of calculated aggression. His partnership of 160 runs with wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie (78) for the second wicket broke Zimbabwe’s previous ODI record partnership and established the foundation for their highest-ever ODI total. Williams received excellent support from Sikandar Raza (48 off 27 balls) and Ryan Burl, who’s explosive 47 off just 16 deliveries featured a strike rate of 294.
The USA’s chase never gained momentum against Zimbabwe’s experienced bowling attack. Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza struck early and often, with the American batters struggling against accurate bowling and mounting scoreboard pressure. Only captain Monank Patel offered token resistance with 22 before falling to Ngarava, as the USA managed merely 104 runs in 25.1 overs. The 304-run victory margin placed Zimbabwe fourth in ODI history and demonstrated their potential when their batting firepower combined with disciplined bowling.
- India’s 302 Runs Victory – Mumbai, November 2, 2023
India’s second entry in the top five largest ODI victories came during their World Cup campaign at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, where they secured a crushing 302-run victory over Sri Lanka. This dominant performance guaranteed India’s place in the World Cup semi-finals and demonstrated their overwhelming superiority on home soil.
Batting first, India posted 357/8, built on significant contributions from their top order. Gill scored 92 runs off 92 balls, while Kohli contributed 88 off 94 deliveries. Shreyas Iyer provided the explosive finishing touch with 82 from 56 balls, featuring six towering sixes that epitomized India’s aggressive approach. Despite Dilshan Madushanka‘s exceptional five-wicket haul – becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve this feat against India in World Cup history – India’s total proved insurmountable.
Sri Lanka’s reply was nothing short of catastrophic. Jasprit Bumrah struck with the first ball of the innings, followed by Siraj’s double strike in the same over, reducing Sri Lanka to an unrecoverable 3-4. Shami completed the rout with a devastating five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-18 to dismiss Sri Lanka for their lowest-ever ODI total of 55 in just 19.4 overs. This 302-run margin represented the fifth-largest victory in ODI history and India’s biggest World Cup win.
