Australia signed off their ODI series against South Africa in grand style, hammering the visitors by 276 runs in the third and final clash at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. Despite South Africa already clinching the series 2-1, the Australians produced one of their most dominant one-day performances in recent years to secure a consolation win.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Australia’s top order produced a batting masterclass. Travis Head led the charge with a scintillating 142 off 103 balls, mixing elegant stroke play with brutal power. His innings laid a rock-solid foundation for the hosts. Skipper Mitchell Marsh followed up with a steady 100 off 106 deliveries, anchoring the innings while rotating the strike.
The fireworks, however, came in the final overs courtesy of Cameron Green, who blasted an unbeaten 118 off just 55 balls. His knock, laced with boundaries and towering sixes, completely decimated the Proteas bowling attack and powered Australia to a mammoth 431/2 in 50 overs—their highest total of the series.
For South Africa, the bowlers had a day to forget. Keshav Maharaj (1/57) and Senuran Muthusamy (1/75) were the only wicket-takers, while captain Aiden Markram went wicketless, conceding 60 runs in his eight overs.
Chasing 432, South Africa faltered early and never looked in contention. Youngster Dewald Brevis played an entertaining cameo of 49 off 28 balls, while Tony de Zorzi contributed 33 off 30 deliveries. However, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed against Australia’s fiery attack.
The bowling spotlight belonged to Cooper Connolly, who turned the match into a personal highlight reel. The youngster scalped 5/22 in just six overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. Sean Abbott (2/27) and Xavier Bartlett (2/45) provided strong support as the visitors were bundled out for 155 in 24.5 overs.
Australia’s emphatic 276-run win marked one of their biggest ODI victories and gave the side much-needed confidence despite losing the series 2-1.
Post-match honors:
- Player of the Match: Travis Head (142 off 103)
- Player of the Series: Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
This performance not only highlighted the depth of Australia’s batting but also unveiled a new bowling star in Connolly. For South Africa, while they took home the series win, the heavy defeat served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead against world-class opposition.
Key Stats:
- Australia scored 431/2, one of their highest ODI totals.
- Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green all hit centuries.
- Cooper Connolly recorded career-best figures of 5/22.
- South Africa dismissed for just 155, losing by 276 runs.
- South Africa win series 2-1 despite final match defeat.
