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NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma questioned his team’s attitude after they were thrashed by 342 runs against England in the largest defeat in ODI history on Sunday. Chasing 415 to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series, the Proteas were bowled out for just 72 in 20.5 humiliating overs at Southampton.It marked the biggest winning margin in ODI history when batting first, surpassing India’s 317-run victory over Sri Lanka in 2023. South Africa narrowly avoided recording their lowest ODI total of 69 against Australia in 1993. England’s previous largest margin of victory was a 242-run triumph over Australia at Trent Bridge in 2018.Bavuma admitted South Africa’s sloppy fielding, which included several dropped catches, reflected their poor performance.“It’s a downer. We were just poor to be honest, in all departments. Fielding is always about attitude, and looking at our fielding and some of the catches you could question where our attitude is,” Bavuma said.“With the ball at some point something went horribly wrong. The extras as well with the ball, far from ideal.“With the bat it was always going to be tough, and their bowlers really put us under pressure. We didn’t have a chance.“To sum it up, a poor game of cricket from us.”South Africa had won the first two games of the series, but Bavuma insisted lack of motivation was not a factor in their embarrassing surrender.“I think as an international sportsman you can’t use that as an excuse. Every game you’re playing for your country. There have been changes within our team with players rested so our depth has been tested,” he said.“For those guys it shows how much of a step up it is for international cricket.“We have conversations about our depth and when premium players aren’t there, because it takes a squad to go and win trophies.”The Ultimate PerformanceAlthough South Africa’s astonishing collapse will take time for Bavuma to process, he took heart from their overall form. Their ODI series win against England came after a recent victory over Australia in the same format.“We are moving forward, we are taking positive strides forward, the team is shaping up nicely,” Bavuma said.“I think looking at the way we were against Australia, we are starting to answer those question marks about our team.”England’s fifth-highest ODI total of 414-5 proved more than enough. After Jacob Bethell smashed 110 from 82 balls for his maiden professional century and Joe Root compiled a typically efficient 100, Jofra Archer dismantled the South African top order, finishing with 4-18 in nine overs.“It was awesome to see Jofra bowling rockets there. To have that in your side, it’s quite frightening,” England captain Harry Brook said.“We were awesome with the bat, put them under pressure all the way through that innings and the bowling just speaks for itself. It was the ultimate performance.”Amid questions over England fast-tracking Bethell across formats, the 21-year-old all-rounder made his mark with 13 fours and three sixes. Brook praised him, saying:“That’s just the beginning. I said that to him at lunch. Everyone knows how good he is. I’m glad he’s got that first century and hopefully now the floodgates open.”
