LONDON, UK — When it comes to cricket rivalries, the clashes between England and South Africa have never been short of drama. For England, however, the encounters have often been defined by stunning batting collapses, particularly in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The latest of these came in Leeds in 2025, where England were bundled out for a paltry 131 runs, adding another chapter to their history of struggles against the Proteas’ formidable bowling attacks.
Here’s a look at England’s five lowest ODI Totals vs. South Africa
- 152 All Out – Rawalpindi, 1996
Even on a neutral ground during the 1996 Wills World Cup, England’s difficulties against South Africa were clear. They were bowled out for just 152, a total made possible by impressive spells from bowlers like Peter Martin and Dominic Cork. While not the lowest score on this list, it still stands as a testament to the early dominance South Africa held in this rivalry.
- 131 All Out – Leeds, 2025
In a humbling defeat on home soil, England’s batting order crumbled once again in Leeds. They were dismissed for just 131 runs, as they failed to handle the pace and spin of the Proteas’ attack. The collapse was led by spinner Keshav Maharaj, who claimed a remarkable four wickets while conceding only 22 runs, ensuring this innings would be remembered as one of England’s most difficult days against South Africa.
- 115 All Out – East London, 1996
One of the earliest recorded collapses in the rivalry occurred in 1996 at East London. Facing a disciplined South African bowling attack, England could only muster 115 runs. At a time when the sport was rapidly evolving, such a low total highlighted the gap in performance between the two teams and was a painful watch for fans expecting a more competitive performance.
- 111 All Out – Johannesburg, 2000
The new millennium offered no change in fortune for England. At the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the Proteas’ bowlers ran riot, dismissing the English side for just 111 runs. South African bowlers, led by a devastating five-wicket-haul from Shaun Pollock, used their home conditions to perfection. Seven of England’s batters failed to reach double digits, resulting in a frustrating 38-run loss for the visiting side.
- 103 All Out – The Oval, 1999
The lowest total in this fierce rivalry came at The Oval during the 1999 ICC ODI World Cup. English fans watched in dismay as their team was bundled out for a mere 103 runs. The Proteas’ relentless pace battery, spearheaded by Allan Donald who took four wickets, left England’s batsmen with no answers. It remains one of the most humiliating defeats for England on their own turf, especially during an era where they struggled to find consistency in ODIs.
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