Australia Thrash South Africa By 276 Runs In 3rd ODI

By Abhishek Kumar

In Mackay, Australia produced a historic performance in the 3rd and final ODI against South Africa. The home side registered a massive 276-run win, handing South Africa their biggest ODI defeat ever.

Australia innings

Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. Openers Travis Head (142) and Mitchell Marsh (100) gave a brilliant start with a 250-run stand. After that, Cameron Green played a destructive knock, scoring 118 not out from just 55 balls. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey also added an unbeaten 50. With power hitting all around, Australia finished on a huge score of 431/2 in 50 overs, their second-highest total in ODI history.

South Africa innings

Chasing 432, South Africa struggled from the beginning. Only Dewald Brevis (49) and Tony de Zorzi (33) looked good, but no other batsman could stay for long. The batting line-up collapsed quickly against Australia’s bowlers. Young spinner Cooper Connolly was the star, taking 5 wickets for 22 runs, while Sean Abbott picked up 2 wickets. South Africa were bowled out for 155 in just 24.5 overs.

Result & reaction

Australia won the match by 276 runs, making it one of their biggest ODI wins and a record defeat for South Africa. Travis Head was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant 142.

Captain Mitchell Marsh praised the team effort, calling it a complete performance. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma admitted that they were outplayed and couldn’t handle the pressure.

Although South Africa had already sealed the series 2-1, the final ODI will be remembered for Australia’s explosive batting and Connolly’s dream spell.