It was roughly two weeks ago when South Africa suffered their worst-ever margin loss in ODI cricket. Having won the series against Australia, they lost by an almighty 276 runs in Mackay. It was an embarrassing loss, but the Proteas likely disregarded it since they had already won the series. But now they have one-upped or more likely one-downed themselves. South Africa also faced a heavier defeat in the third ODI against England, losing by a record 342 runs. This was the widest win margin for any team in ODI cricket's 54-year history. Following the 414 runs conceded in Southampton, the Proteas only scored 72 runs in return. England's batting was a masterclass. Smith gave a good platform with his fifty at the top, and that was the tone of the hosts. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell dominated the middle overs and scored exquisite centuries to make the game their own. Buttler's blistering 27-ball fifty towards the end took England to a whopping 414, leaving South Africa with a practically impossible target. Also Read | Virat Kohli Clears Yo-Yo Test in London, Sets New Personal Best Pursuing such an enormous target, South Africa fought from the beginning. Jofra Archer destroyed the top order with pace and bounce, removing four wickets in the initial powerplay and establishing the tone for an entire collapse. Brydon Carse stood in good support, grabbing two wickets, and Adil Rashid ended the innings with three wickets. Three of the South African batsmen made double figures only, highlighting how commanding England were with the ball. Temba Bavuma did not bat because of a calf strain, which was just another problem for the Proteas to grapple with. This historic loss will be an ugly blow for South Africa, who have now suffered their largest loss in ODI history. England, however, finished off the series in style, dominating all departments. For the hosts, it was a flawless way to start and end the series and send a strong message to the rest of the cricketing world.