After two crushing defeats, a wounded Australian side roared back in style as Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green struck centuries each to power the hosts to a colossal 276-run win over South Africa in the third and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday.
It was a crazy day. Great performance from the lads. Shame it was too late. But full credit to South Africa. They played outstandingly well in the first two games. Too good for us.
Head and Marsh Set the Tone
Australia, dismissed for under 200 in the opening two games, rebounded spectacularly with a record-breaking 250-run opening stand. Head smashed 142 while Marsh carved out an even 100, laying the foundation for a historic total.
I felt like I threw a start away in Cairns. My tempo was excellent today. I surprised myself with the way I played. Disappointing this has come at the end, but it gives us confidence going forward.
Green’s Explosive Maiden Century
With the platform set, Green unleashed one of the most brutal innings in Australia’s ODI history. He raced to his maiden hundred in just 47 balls – the second-fastest by an Australian behind Glenn Maxwell – before finishing unbeaten on 118 off 55.
Alex Carey chipped in with a rapid 50 not out, adding 164 runs with Green for the third wicket in just 13.3 overs, as Australia piled up 431/2 – their second-highest ODI total and the highest at home.
South Africa Crumble Under Pressure
Faced with a mountain of 432, South Africa never found their footing. Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett dented the top order before 22-year-old Cooper Connolly ripped through the middle and lower order with a career-best 5-22.
We were under the pump from the first ball. They put us under pressure, and we really didn't have any answers,” It’s not every day you chase 432, but we need to take it as a learning curve.
The visitors folded for 155 in 24.5 overs, suffering their heaviest ODI defeat as Australia completed victory by their second-largest winning margin in the format.
Records and Recognition
Connolly’s haul made him the youngest Australian to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs, while also registering the best figures by an Australian spinner in the format.
I was fortunate enough to get a good spell under my belt in the first game and contributed a little in the last two. Credit to the Aussie batters – they were outstanding today.
It was only the second time in men’s ODI history that the top three batters of one team scored centuries in the same innings. Yet despite the spectacular win, the series went to South Africa 2-1 – Australia’s second successive bilateral ODI series defeat.
What Lies Ahead
South Africa head next to England for a white-ball series beginning September 2, while Australia enjoy a break before three T20Is against New Zealand in October.
