Australia delivered a commanding performance in the third and final ODI against South Africa, securing a monumental 276-run victory, their largest ever in the format, in a dead rubber match on Sunday. The home side’s top-order batters overwhelmed a depleted South African pace attack, with Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green all scoring scintillating centuries to power Australia to a colossal 431-2, the second-highest ODI total in their history.

Opening batter Travis Head led the charge with a blistering 142 off 92 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes, while captain Mitchell Marsh contributed a steady 100 off 100 balls. Cameron Green, promoted up the order, smashed an unbeaten 118 off just 68 balls, marking his maiden ODI hundred with six fours and eight sixes. The trio’s dominance marked only the second time Australia’s top three batters all scored centuries in an ODI innings. Their aggressive batting capitalized on an inexperienced South African bowling unit, with debutant Kwena Maphaka conceding 73 runs in six overs and Wiaan Mulder leaking 93 runs in seven.

Head and Marsh set the tone with a formidable 250-run opening stand in just 34 overs, the fourth-highest in Australia’s ODI history. Despite Keshav Maharaj’s relatively economical spell, South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with spinner Senuran Muthusamy conceding 75 runs in nine overs. Green’s late fireworks, including three consecutive sixes off Muthusamy, and an unbeaten 164-run partnership with Alex Carey (50 not out) propelled Australia to within three runs of their record ODI total of 434-4, set against South Africa in 2006.

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South Africa’s chase faltered early, crumbling to 155 all out in 24.5 overs. Debutant all-rounder Cooper Connolly starred with the ball, claiming 5-22 with his left-arm spin to dismantle the lower order. Fast bowler Shaun Abbott (2-27) struck early, removing Aiden Markram (2) and captain Temba Bavuma (19) within the powerplay. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 49, but South Africa’s batting lineup could not withstand Australia’s relentless attack.

The victory provided a consolation for Australia after South Africa clinched the series with convincing wins in the first two matches in Cairns and Mackay. With key pacers Lungi Ngidi rested and Kagiso Rabada sidelined by injury, South Africa’s bowling lacked the experience to counter Australia’s aggressive batting. The match showcased Australia’s depth and firepower, with Green’s promotion and Connolly’s debut performance signaling a bright future for the team.

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