South Africa’s batting has long been a mix of brilliance and fragility, and their latest performance against England in Southampton has once again highlighted this inconsistency. Chasing a mammoth 415 in the series decider (third ODI), the Proteas collapsed to just 72 runs, recording their second-lowest ODI total in history. England’s bowlers ft. Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and others ran riot, and South Africa’s top three managed a combined tally of just one run, a statistic that shocked fans and pundits alike. The result handed South Africa a crushing 342-run defeat, underlining the batting vulnerabilities that have resurfaced at crucial times.
This collapse brought back memories of earlier disasters when the Proteas had endured similar batting failures in ODI cricket. From their lowest-ever total of 69 to multiple 83-run capitulations, these moments remain etched in the team’s history. With their Southampton debacle joining this infamous list, it is worth revisiting some of South Africa’s lowest scores in ODIs.
5 lowest team totals for South Africa in ODI cricket
5) 83 vs England, Manchester – July 2022
On July 22, 2022, at Old Trafford, Manchester, South Africa folded for just 83 while chasing a modest 202 against England. The English attack—featuring Reece Topley, David Willey, Sam Curran, Rashid, and Moeen Ali—combined superbly to dismantle the Proteas batting lineup. Reduced to 27/5 early on, only Heinrich Klaasen showed resistance with 33 runs. South Africa eventually slumped to a 118-run defeat.
4) 83 vs England, Nottingham – August 2008
At Trent Bridge on August 26, 2008, South Africa’s batting collapsed after opting to bat first. They were bowled out for 83 in just 23 overs. Stuart Broad starred with a devastating spell of 5/23, while Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison picked up three and two wickets, respectively. Andre Nel was the top scorer with only 13 runs, underlining the batting woes. England chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, sealing a 10-wicket win with 215 balls to spare.
3) 83 vs India, Kolkata – November 2023
During the 2023 ODI World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, South Africa faced a rampant Indian bowling unit. Chasing 327, the Proteas were bundled out for 83, with Ravindra Jadeja tearing through the lineup with a five-wicket haul. Marco Jansen’s 14 was the highest score in a dismal scorecard. India registered a thumping victory by 243 runs, one of South Africa’s heaviest defeats in ODI cricket.
2) 72 vs England, Southampton – September 2025
On September 7, 2025, in the third ODI against England at Southampton, South Africa slumped to their second-lowest total in ODIs. In pursuit of 415, the Proteas crumbled for just 72 runs in 20.5 overs. Their top three collectively managed only one run, setting an unwanted record. England’s disciplined bowling attack capitalized on the conditions, and South Africa were handed a crushing 342-run defeat.
1) 69 vs Australia, Sydney – December 1993
The lowest ODI total in South Africa’s history came during the Benson & Hedges World Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on December 14, 1993. Chasing 173, the Proteas were blown away for just 69 runs in 28 overs. Paul Reiffel starred with figures of 4/13 from eight overs, while Glenn McGrath and Steve Waugh chipped in with two wickets each. South Africa succumbed to a 103-run defeat in what remains their lowest-ever ODI score.
Also READ: ENG vs SA: Fans erupt as Joe Root lights up The Rose Bowl with a blistering century in the 3rd ODI
