Correct Answer:
D. England
The team that holds the record for the highest victory margin by runs in ODI cricket is England
On September 7, 2025, England defeated South Africa by a staggering 342 runs in the third ODI at Southampton[reference:0][reference:1]. Batting first, England scored 414/5, and then bowled South Africa out for just 72[reference:2][reference:3]. This 342‑run victory is the biggest margin of victory in men’s ODI history[reference:4][reference:5].
The Record Progression
- England (342 runs) vs South Africa, 2025 – Current world record[reference:6].
- India (317 runs) vs Sri Lanka, 2023 – Previous record, broken by England[reference:7][reference:8].
- Australia (309 runs) vs Netherlands, 2023 – Australia’s highest margin, which ranks third on the all‑time list[reference:9][reference:10].
Why the Provided Answer Is Incorrect
- Australia (Option 1): While Australia has recorded massive victories—including a 309‑run win over the Netherlands in the 2023 World Cup[reference:11]—this is not the highest margin in ODI history.
- South Africa (Option 2): South Africa’s biggest win is 272 runs against Zimbabwe in 2010[reference:12], far from the record.
- New Zealand (Option 3): New Zealand’s best is 290 runs against Ireland in 2008[reference:13], also not the record.
- Sri Lanka (Option 4): Sri Lanka does not feature among the top margins by runs.
Hence, the correct answer is England, not Australia.