Last Updated on 7 months ago by Charbel Coorey

South Africa suffered the biggest-ever ODI loss as the team got bowled out for just 72 while chasing 415 runs against England in Hampshire on Sunday. Head coach Shukri Conrad didn’t hesitate to describe the defeat as embarrassing.

The result hinged on England’s overpowering innings with the bat, courtesy of centuries from Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, along with relentless speed from Jofra Archer – all factors that dismantled the Proteas. Fielding errors and wayward bowling compounded the damage. South Africa conceded 19 wides and dropped two simple catches in a performance Conrad said was “far from ideal, not good enough.”

“When you’re out of touch, you get exposed” – Shukri Conrad

In a post-match conference, Conrad didn’t mince words, “We were definitely off today. Against a top side like England, when you’re out of touch, you get exposed. That was slightly embarrassing.” His blunt assessment reflected not only frustration at the collapse but also recognition that complacency had crept in when the series was already sealed in South Africa’s favour.

Both this loss and the previous 276-run defeat to Australia spotlight a worrying pattern, dominant series leads followed by dramatic nosedives in dead-rubber games. Conrad pointed to lapses in discipline, field support, and mental focus as the culprits.

Captain Temba Bavuma added, “This doesn’t do justice to the achievements of the series. We played superbly earlier. Today was an aberration.” With injury concerns already sidelining key players like Kagiso Rabada, South Africa opted against forcing his inclusion, focusing instead on upcoming T20 fixtures. Rabada, along with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, is set to return for the shortest format.

As South Africa heads into new challenges, this loss will be a reminder that discipline and hunger can’t pause, even in “meaningless” games. For Conrad and his team, restoring pride will mean starting over, one match at a time.