Joe Root Achieves 19th ODI Century in Dominant Win for England

England’s Joe Root delivered an impressive performance by scoring his 19th century in One Day International (ODI) cricket during the third and final ODI against South Africa at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on March 15, 2024. Root’s milestone came as he formed a significant partnership with fellow centurion Jacob Bethell, contributing to a formidable total for the hosts.

Setting the stage for success, openers Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith provided a solid foundation. The pair propelled England to a strong start before Root joined Bethell at a crucial moment, with the team sitting at 117 for 2. The duo then constructed a remarkable partnership that added 182 runs, guiding England toward a total that would prove challenging for their opponents.

Root’s century, reached off just 95 balls, marks a significant achievement in his career. He now stands as the leading ODI century-maker for England, with no other player from the nation having crossed the 15-century mark. According to ESPNcricinfo, Root has also joined an exclusive group of players, being one of only 12 cricketers globally to achieve ten or more ODI centuries on home soil.

Record-Breaking Performance

This latest century adds to Root’s impressive tally of 58 international centuries across formats, further solidifying his status as England’s most successful batter in Test cricket. Former captain Alastair Cook follows with 38 international centuries, highlighting Root’s exceptional consistency and skill at the international level.

The partnership with Bethell was crucial as they navigated the second powerplay, which allowed England to build momentum towards a score near 300. While Bethell eventually fell to Keshav Maharaj, Root’s innings was pivotal in ensuring England’s dominance in the match. As the players celebrated their victory, the team marked this performance as a testament to their abilities and teamwork.

Root’s achievement not only underscores his personal success but also reflects England’s strong position in the ODI format, particularly on home turf. With this century, he further cements his legacy in the sport, showcasing the high level of talent present in English cricket.