ENG vs SA, 1st ODI: 4 Lowest ODI totals for England against South Africa

In the ongoing England versus South Africa ODI series, the opening encounter at Leeds saw England struggle significantly with the bat, ultimately being bowled out for a modest total of 131 runs. Let’s check if this is among the lowest ODI totals for England against South Africa.

4 Lowest ODI totals for England against South Africa

Here are the 4 lowest ODI totals achieved by the Three Lions against the Proteas in their history.

4. 131 at Leeds, 2025

Tonight’s 131 at Leeds is England’s fourth-lowest total ever in ODIs against South Africa.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first to take advantage of the early moisture of the pitch.

Ben Duckett went early while Joe Root was dismissed in the 8th over. Despite a modest start, where Harry Brook and Jamie Smith added 38 runs for the third wicket, England lost their last seven wickets for 49 runs.

Jamie Smith scored a valiant 54 from 48 balls to take them over 100 at Leeds. Keshav Maharaj, the No.1 ODI bowler, took four wickets for 22 while Wiaan Mulder took three for 33 for the visitors.

3. 115, in East London, 1996

Now this would come as a more shocking one for everyone as England were bundled out for 115 while chasing 129 at Buffalo Park, East London in 1996.

Despite Graeme Hick’s 39 from 65 balls, England could not chase down 130 and lost the match by 14 runs. Only three English batters could reach the double-figure mark in that match.

Paul Adams took 3/26 to win the Player of the Match Award.

2. 111, in Johannesburg, 2000

England’s second-lowest ODI total against South Africa also came while chasing. In the 2000 triangular series final in Johannesburg, England, led by Nasser Hussain, were bowled out for 111 and lost the final by 38 runs.

Alan Mullally scored 14 at No. 11 to take the score over 100. Mullally’s 14 was the second-highest score by an England batter in that match.

Shaun Pollock took 20/5 to emerge as the player of the match.

1. 103, The Oval, 1999

However, England’s lowest ODI total against South Africa had already come one year ago from the Johannesburg match.

In the 1999 World Cup league stage match, England could not handle the pace and aggression from South African bowlers as Shaun Pollock, Alan Donald, and Lance Klusener ran through them.

England were chasing 226 and only managed 103, thanks to Donald’s 17/4 in 8 overs. Pollock returned with 13/1 in 9 overs with 3 maidens.

Neil Fairbrother top-scored for England with 21.