Green, Head & Marsh Power Australia to Stunning ODI Triumph Over South Africa
MACKAY – Australia closed out the ODI series with a statement-making performance, crushing South Africa by 276 runs in the final match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. It was a monumental display of dominance, highlighted by spectacular centuries from Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, and a fiery five-wicket haul by leg-spinner Cooper Connolly.
Australia opted to bat first and delivered in spades, putting up their highest-ever ODI total on home soil—an imposing 431/2. Head and Marsh formed a sensational opening stand of 250 runs, smashing South Africa’s previous opening record of 170 in Durban (2002). Head set the tone early with a blistering 142 off just 103 balls, laced with boundaries in quick succession. Marsh, too, piled on the pressure, roaring to a composed 100 off 106 balls.
Green punctuated the big-hitting extravaganza with a whirlwind 118 not out, emerging as the first Australian to boast a centurion in the top three all in one innings. Alex Carey joined the party with a measured unbeaten 50, and the trio combined to smash a staggering 18 sixes—a tournament record in itself.
South Africa’s reply never found traction. By the 25th over, they’d been bundled out for 155, thanks largely to Connolly’s magical 5 for 22. Their top order crumbled under relentless Australian pressure, and despite a spirited 49 from Dewald Brevis, the under-strength bowling lineup couldn’t halt the carnage.
Who Lit Up the Day:
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Travis Head – A breathtaking 142 (74 balls) launched Australia’s innings
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Mitchell Marsh – Steady century at number three (100 off 106)
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Cameron Green – Explosive 118* made history
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Cooper Connolly – Five-for sealed the series emphatically
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