Overview:
Bethell stood tall, sharing a superb 182-run stand from 144 balls with Joe Root to give England the upper hand.
England’s Jacob Bethell announced himself in style by striking his maiden hundred not only in One-Day Internationals but also across his professional career during the third ODI against South Africa in Southampton on Sunday, 7 September.
The left-hander raced to three figures from just 76 balls, making him the youngest England batter to achieve the feat since David Gower and surpassing the record previously held by Alastair Cook.
Youngest England batter To Score ODI Hundred
| Batter | Age | Opposition team |
| David Gower | 21y 55d | Pakistan |
| David Gower | 21y 209d | Australia |
| Jacob Bethell | 21y 319d | South Africa |
| Craig Kieswetter | 22y 97d | Bangladesh |
| Alastair Cook | 22y 239d | India |
Bethell impressed in the second ODI with a brisk 58 from just 40 balls at Lord’s, but England fell short by five runs while chasing 331. This time, however, Bethell stood tall, sharing a superb 182-run stand from 144 balls with Joe Root to give England the upper hand.
THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FOR JACOB BETHELL – MAIDEN HUNDRED. 💯pic.twitter.com/dp7gVPqPtJ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 7, 2025
Since making his ODI debut in September 2024, the youngster has collected four fifties.
Root played his part too, notching his 19th ODI century, as England powered their way to a formidable 414 for five in 50 overs. After two underwhelming batting displays earlier in the series, this performance reminded everyone of England’s capability in the format.