Marsh, Head, Green centuries dismantle South Africa: 3rd ODI (McKay)

Australia produced a record-shattering performance in the 3rd ODI at Mackay, crushing South Africa by 276 runs to hand the Proteas their heaviest defeat in ODI history.

Batting first, Australia piled up a mammoth 431 for 2, their second-highest ODI total, with Travis Head (142), skipper Mitchell Marsh (100) and Cameron Green (an explosive 118* off 55 balls) all smashing centuries, while Alex Carey chipped in with a steady unbeaten fifty.

In reply, South Africa crumbled to 155 all out inside 25 overs, with only Dewald Brevis (49) and Tony de Zorzi (33) offering resistance. Young spinner Cooper Connolly starred with the ball, claiming a brilliant 5 for 22 – the best ODI figures by an Australian spinner – just days after turning 22.

Although South Africa had already sealed the series 2–1, Australia’s dominant win restored pride and gave them valuable momentum heading into the rest of the season.

Australia 431 for 2 (Head 142, Green 118*, Marsh 100, Carey 50*) beat South Africa 155 (Brevis 49, Connolly 5-22) by 276 runs.

Aug 2025