Key Points

Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell finally broke through with his first professional century in spectacular fashion. His blistering 110-run knock came at a strike rate of 134 and included 13 boundaries and three sixes. The 21-year-old formed a dominant 182-run partnership with experienced batsman Joe Root to set up England's massive total. Despite South Africa already winning the series, England finished strongly with Jos Buttler's explosive batting pushing them to 414/5.

Key Points: Jacob Bethell Maiden Ton Powers England to 414 vs South Africa

  • Bethell scored 110 runs in just 82 balls with 13 fours and three sixes
  • He shared a massive 182-run partnership with veteran Joe Root for third wicket
  • At 21 years, he becomes England's second youngest ODI centurion after David Gower
  • Jos Buttler provided explosive finish with unbeaten 62 from just 32 balls
2 min read

Jacob Bethell hits maiden ton as England pile misery on South Africa, score 414/5

England's Jacob Bethell smashes his first professional century with 110 runs, partnering with Joe Root to post 414/5 against South Africa in the final ODI.

"Bethell ended his wait for a professional cricket century, blasting a memorable 110 in 82 balls - Article"

Southampton, September 7

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell registered his first-ever professional century across all formats of the game, stitching a valuable partnership with veteran Joe Root as both guided England to a massive total in the third and final ODI of the series against South Africa on Sunday.

Bethell, the much-talked-about 21-year-old all-rounder, ended his wait for a professional cricket century, blasting a memorable 110 in 82 balls, with 13 fours and three sixes, at an average of 134.15. He shared a 182-run partnership for the third wicket with Root, who also scored a century.

Now in 15 ODIs, Bethell has scored 486 runs at an average of 40.50, with a strike rate of 101.88, a century and four fifties to show for. His best score is 110.

The youngster has also completed 1,000 runs in international cricket, scoring 1,038 runs in 32 matches and 33 innings at an average of 39.92 and a strike rate of almost 99, with a century and nine fifties and a best score of 110.

He also becomes second youngest to score ODI ton for England at the age of 21 years and 319 days, after David Gower, who slammed his first ODI ton at an age of 21 years and 55 days against Pakistan back in 1978.

This year in 14 ODIs, he has made 438 runs in 14 innings at an average of 36.50, with a strike rate of over 111, with a century and three fifties. His best score is 110. In this ODI series against the Proteas, he has managed scores of 1, 58 and 110, scoring 159 runs in three matches.

Coming to the match, South Africa, who already has the series in hand 2-0, won the toss and opted to field first.

After Jamie Smith (62 in 48 balls, with nine fours and a six) had steady partnerships with Ben Duckett (31 in 33 balls, with six fours), England was at 117/2.

Excellent finishing touches from Jos Buttler (62* in 32 balls, with eight fours and a six) and Will Jacks (19* in eight balls, with two fours and a six) powered England to 414/5 in 50 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally he gets his century! Been following Bethell since U19 days. Partnership with Root must have been amazing to watch. 182 runs together - that's proper mentoring from experienced player to youngster.
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Aditya G
South Africa already won series 2-0 so maybe they weren't as motivated? Still, 414 is massive total. Bethell's journey from 1, 58 to 110 shows great mental strength. 👏
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Sarah B
Impressive stats for a 21-year-old! 1000+ international runs already. England's production line of all-rounders never stops. Wonder if he'll be in IPL next season?
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Karthik V
While the batting was brilliant, I'm concerned about South Africa's bowling. Giving away 414 runs even in a dead rubber isn't good preparation for bigger tournaments. Their bowling attack needs work.
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Michael C
Second youngest English centurion after Gower - that's some company to keep! Bethell could be a real asset in the middle order for years to come. Great to see new talent emerging.

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