Archer Roars as England Crush South Africa by 342 Runs
JOFRA Archer ripped through South Africa with a stunning four-wicket burst as England stormed to a record 342-run victory at the Rose Bowl on Sunday. But despite the demolition, South Africa still walked away with the series 2-1.
England’s batting fired on all cylinders after being sent in. Joe Root anchored the innings with a classy 100 from 96 balls, while Jacob Bethell blazed 110 off 82 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 13 fours and three sixes. Jamie Smith’s fluent 62 set the platform, before Jos Buttler provided the fireworks, hammering 62 from only 32 balls. Will Jacks added a cameo 19 not out as England powered to 414 for five – their highest total of the summer.
South Africa’s bowlers were punished from start to finish. Corbin Bosch (2 for 79) and Keshav Maharaj (2 for 61) shared the wickets, but Nandre Burger’s 95 from ten overs summed up a torrid day.
Chasing 415, the visitors never recovered from Archer’s new-ball assault. He struck with just his second delivery to remove Aiden Markram, then sent Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs back in quick succession. His final figures – 4 for 18 from nine overs – underlined his menace. Brydon Carse (2 for 33) and Adil Rashid (3 for 13) cleaned up the rest as South Africa folded for 72 in under 21 overs.
Only Corbin Bosch (20) and Keshav Maharaj (17) reached double figures, while captain Temba Bavuma was absent hurt.
England ended the series in style, but South Africa had already done the hard work, sealing the three-match contest 2-1. Archer was named Player of the Match, while Maharaj’s consistent returns earned him Player of the Series.
