Although South Africa had already clinched the series with wins at Headingley (Leeds) and Lord’s (London), their performance on Sunday was dismal. The team seemed off the pace and struggled in almost every department.

England batted first at the Rose Bowl and posted a staggering 414/5 in their 50 overs. Jacob Bethell led the charge with 110 off 82 balls, while Joe Root contributed a quickfire 100 from just 96 deliveries. 

At the back end of the innings, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler struck 62 not out off 32 balls, and opening batter Jamie Smith added 62 from 48 deliveries up front.

Jofra Archer celebrating the wicket of Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

For the Proteas, the spinner Keshav Maharaj was once again the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/61 in eight overs. Seamer Corbin Bosch chipped in with 2/79 from his ten overs.

In reply, the Proteas were in deep trouble early, losing six wickets for just 24 runs inside the first ten overs. Compounding the struggle, captain Temba Bavuma sustained a left calf injury while fielding and was unable to bat.

Bosch top-scored for South Africa with 20 off 32 balls, Maharaj managed 17, and Tristan Stubbs contributed tem. No other batter scored more than five as the Proteas limped to 72/9 in 20.5 overs.

Codi Yusuf. Photo: Cricinfo

Jofra Archer was England’s chief destroyer, taking 4/18 in nine overs, while spinner Adil Rashid grabbed 3/13 in just 3.5 overs.

Reflecting on his team’s display, coach Shukri Conrad described the performance as embarrassing, noting parallels with the recent ODI against Australia in Mackay.

“Any excuse is better than none – I think we were definitely off today. Against top sides, like England, when you slip mentally, you get exposed – the way we did. A similar thing happened in Australia, where after going 2-0 up, they scored over 400.

Temba Bavuma with the series trophy. Photo: Cricinfo

“There must be some truth in that. But if we’re going to be poor at something, you’d rather it happen in games like that, in moments that matter less. Not making light of today’s defeat, it was slightly embarrassing.”

Attention now shifts to the three-match T20 International series, crucial with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on the horizon.

The first T20I between England and South Africa will take place on Wednesday at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, with play scheduled to start at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg