Jofra Archer delivered a devastating spell with the ball to headline England’s record-breaking 342-run win over South Africa in the final game of the three-match ENG vs SA ODI series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday.

Archer, who was Rajasthan Royals’ joint highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 11 scalps, tore through the South African top order, registering figures of 4/18 from nine overs. He was also named the Player of the Match.

This was Archer’s second successive four-wicket haul after recording figures of 4/62 in the second ODI. It was the first time the English pacer recorded four-fer in ODIs following his 6/40 against the Proteas two years ago.

In fact, 20 of his 62 ODI wickets have come against the South Africans at an average of 14.55. His career haul stands at 24.33 apiece.

Archer’s fiery spell in the third ODI on Sunday included a searing new-ball burst that helped reduce the visitors to 18/5 inside nine overs in pursuit of England’s 414/5.

His returns saw him finish the series as the joint leading wicket-taker with eight scalps at an astonishing average of 11 and an economy of just 3.66. Adil Rashid and Keshav Maharaj also finished with eight wickets each.

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Having lost the toss, England were sent in to bat and piled on the runs courtesy of Jacob Bethell’s maiden ODI century, Joe Root’s 19th hundred and late fireworks from Jos Buttler.

The batting platform set the stage for Archer, who made an instant impact by removing Aiden Markram for a duck in the first over.

He then dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke in quick succession, before claiming Tristan Stubbs at slip for his fourth wicket. Adil Rashid added three more as South Africa skittled out for 72 in 20.5 overs for their heaviest defeat in ODI history.

While South Africa secured the series 2-1, England signed off on a high with the biggest margin of victory ever recorded in men’s ODIs.

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