Australia salvaged immense pride with a record-shattering performance, crushing South Africa by 276 runs in the third and final ODI in Mackay. After losing the series, the hosts unleashed a breathtaking batting display, posting an ominous 431-2—their highest-ever one-day international total on home soil. The foundation was laid by a monumental 250-run opening partnership between Travis Head (142 off 103 balls) and captain Mitchell Marsh (100 off 106), which set the stage for an even more explosive finish from Cameron Green.
The innings entered historic territory when Cameron Green bludgeoned an unbeaten 118, reaching his maiden ODI century off just 47 deliveries. This marked the first time Australia’s top three batsmen all scored centuries in the same innings. Alex Carey provided the final flourish with a quickfire 50*, as the Australian batsmen collectively hit a record 18 sixes on home soil. The Proteas’ second-string attack, missing key quicks, had no answers to the relentless onslaught.
Facing an insurmountable target, South Africa’s chase never began. Their innings collapsed to 50-4 within the first nine overs, with Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett doing the early damage. Dewald Brevis offered a brief resistance with a spirited 49, but the outcome was never in doubt. The final blow was delivered by spinner Cooper Connolly, who carved through the lower order to finish with a spectacular five-wicket haul (5-22), bowling the visitors out for a meagre 155.
While crediting South Africa for their series win, captain Mitchell Marsh called it a “pretty crazy day, a full performance by the lads.” His opposite number, Temba Bavuma, conceded his team was “under the pump from the first ball” and had no answers. The match, though a dead rubber, will be remembered as one of the most dominant and record-breaking performances in Australian ODI history.
