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Leeds 2025 Joins The Hall of Shame! England's Lowest Scores Vs South Africa

Akshita Patel

Lowest ODI total for England vs South Africa [Source: @WisdenCricket, @JSKSA20/X.com]Lowest ODI total for England vs South Africa [Source: @WisdenCricket, @JSKSA20/X.com]

When it comes to cricket rivalry, England vs South Africa has never been short of drama, fire, and heartbreak. But for England, however, playing against the Proteas had never been a sweet memory, particularly in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Time and again, South Africa’s fiery bowling attacks have torn apart the English batting order, leaving supporters shocked and dismayed. The latest collapse was seen in Leeds, 2025, as England disintegrated to a pitiful 131 runs, another page being turned in their worst record of batting meltdowns against South Africa.

Let's have a glance at England's five lowest ODI scores against the Proteas.

5. 152 all out - Rawalpindi, 1996

Even at a neutral ground such as Rawalpindi, England's troubles against South Africa persisted. In the 1996 Wills World Cup, they were shot out for 152 runs, thanks to stunning spells from Peter Martin (3 wickets) and Dominic Cork (2 wickets). While not as low as the others on this list, it still remains among the worst totals by England in this rivalry.

4. 131 all out - Leeds, 2025

Fast forward to 2025, and history repeated itself. In Leeds, England, once again, England collapsed against South Africa, this time for just 131 runs. Despite playing at home, England couldn’t handle the Proteas’ pace attack, especially Keshav Maharaj, who picked up a four-wicket-haul while conceding just 22 runs in 5.3 overs. This innings instantly entered the record books as one of England’s lowest ever against South Africa.

3. 115 all out - East London, 1996

One of the earliest collapses came in 1996 at East London, where England could only manage 115 runs. Facing a disciplined South African bowling attack led by Darren Gough, the English batters had no answers. At a time when one-day cricket was evolving, such a low total highlighted just how far behind England were compared to the other big teams. It was a painful watch for fans who expected more fight from their team.

2. 111 all out - Johannesburg, 2000

The year 2000 wasn’t much kinder to England. At the Bullring in Johannesburg, South Africa, once again, the bowlers ran through the batting order, this time skittling them for 111 runs. The Proteas’ bowlers thrived in home conditions, using the bounce and pace to make life miserable for England’s top order. Shaun Pollock bagged a five-wicket-haul as 7 English batters failed to score in double digits, resulting in a 38-run loss.

1. 103 all out - The Oval, 1999

Back in the summer of 1999, fans at The Oval were left shocked as England were bundled out for just 103 runs against South Africa in the ICC ODI World Cup. The Proteas’ pace battery, led by Allan Donald (4 wickets), was relentless, swinging the ball under English skies and leaving no room for mistakes. It was one of the most humiliating defeats (122 runs) on home soil, especially during an era when England were already struggling to find consistency in ODIs.