414/5 At The Top; Here Are England's Highest Team Totals Vs South Africa In ODI Cricket

Debashis Sarangi

England posted their highest total vs SA in ODIs [Source: AFP]England posted their highest total vs SA in ODIs [Source: AFP]

England had a memorable outing in the third ODI against South Africa, posting a mammoth total of 414 runs for the loss of five wickets. Although the Proteas managed to dismiss Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett inside 17 overs, scintillating centuries from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell and a blistering fifty from Jos Buttler ensured England breached the 400-run mark for the first time against South Africa in ODIs. 

As the Three Lions joined India for the most number of 400-plus totals, here are their five highest team scores against the Proteas in ODIs. 

1. 414/5, Southampton, 2025, Today*

England's ongoing ODI encounter saw them scoring their highest-ever team total against the Proteas. After Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett departed for quick-fire cameos, Root and Bethell stitched a valuable 182-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the foundation for a huge score. 

Jos Buttler's finishing touches acted like icing on the cake, powering the hosts to 414 for five, their highest score against the South Africans in ODIs. 

2. 399/9, Bloemfontein, 2016

Buttler smashed a century in Bloemfontein ODI [Source: AFP]Buttler smashed a century in Bloemfontein ODI [Source: AFP]

Prior to this game, 399 for nine in the 2016 Bloemfontein ODI was England's highest-ever score against the Proteas in the format. Their top-order players struck blazing knocks before Jos Buttler's 76-ball 105 and a 38-ball 57 from Ben Stokes propelled the visitors to the massive total. In response, the Proteas were restricted to 250 for five in 33.3 overs, losing the game by 39 runs in the DLS method. 

3. 346/7, Kimberley, 2023

The third ODI of England's South Africa tour in 2023 witnessed batting masterclasses from Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler. While Malan struck 118 runs off just 114 deliveries, Buttler hammered six fours and seven maximums for his belligerent 127-ball 131. The batting exploits of these two players powered England to 346 for seven before Jofra Archer's six-wicket haul scripted a comfortably win for the visiting side. 

4. 342/7, Bloemfontein, 2023

The preceding contest of the aforementioned Kimberly encounter was played in Bloemfontein. Batting first, England posted a massive score of 342 runs for seven wickets, riding on sensational knocks from Harry Brook and Jos Buttler. 

Buttler once again emerged as South Africa's nemesis, contributing 90 runs to the English total. However, his stunning knock went in vain, with Temba Bavuma guiding South Africa to glory with a magnificent century. 

5. 339/6, Leeds, 2017

Eoin Morgan starred with the bat for ENG in Leeds ODI [Source: @sportstarweb/X]Eoin Morgan starred with the bat for ENG in Leeds ODI [Source: @sportstarweb/X]

The first ODI of South Africa's England tour back in 2017 saw a fighting ton from Eoin Morgan helping the hosts pip their counterparts comprehensively. Despite losing Jason Roy early, England consolidated their innings, thanks to the valuable contributions from Joe Root and Alex Hales. 

Although Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler departed in quick succession, Morgan led from the front, propelling England to 339 for six in 50 overs. In reply, South Africa were bundled out for 267 runs, suffering a 72-run defeat in the match.