England batters ran riot in the third and final ODI of the series against South Africa on Sunday as they posted a mammoth total of 414 runs in 50 overs for the loss of just five wickets.
The final ODI of the series at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, is essentially a dead rubber contest as the Proteas have already clinched the series with a win at Lord's earlier this week.
However, the English batters played for pride and made sure they would end the series on a fighting note.
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Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett handed England a solid start before Jacob Bethell and Joe Root came into action. The duo scored centuries to build the foundation of a massive total, while Jos Buttler put the icing on the cake with a fiery innings of 62 runs in 32 balls, which took their tally past the 400-run mark.
Root registered his 19th ODI and his 58th overall in his international career, while Bethell hit his maiden ODI hundred.
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What are England's highest totals in ODI cricket?
The total against South Africa was England's fifth-highest score in the ODI format and their seventh 400-plus total. Their highest total in ODI, though, remains 498, which they posted against Netherlands in 2022.
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 498/4 | Netherlands | Amstelveen | 2022 |
| 481/6 | Australia | Nottingham | 2018 |
| 444/3 | Pakistan | Nottingham | 2016 |
| 418/6 | West Indies | St George's | 2019 |
| 414/5 | South Africa | Southampton | 2025 |
| 408/9 | New Zealand | Birmingham | 2015 |
| 400/8 | West Indies | Birmingham | 2025 |
| 399/9 | South Africa | Bloemfontein | 2016 |
| 397/6 | Afghanistan | Manchester | 2019 |
| 391/4 | Bangladesh | Nottingham | 2005 |