Australia handed South Africa a record-setting hammering in the third and final men’s ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, winning by a staggering 276 runs—South Africa’s heaviest-ever defeat in ODI history . Opting to bat first, Australia posted a colossal 431 for 2—their second‑highest ODI total—anchored by monstrous centuries from Travis Head (142) and Mitchell Marsh (100), who stitched together a 250‑run opening partnership. The charge didn’t stop there: Cameron Green exploded with a blistering unbeaten 118 off just 55 balls, notching the second‑fastest ODI century ever by an Australian . Alex Carey also made a sharp cameo, remaining unbeaten on 50 to propel Australia to their commanding total.
In response, South Africa collapsed for 155 in just 24.5 overs, succumbing under scoreboard pressure—a target of 432 proved insurmountable. Young spinner Cooper Connolly turned heads with a sensational 5 for 22, becoming the youngest Australian to take a five‑for in ODIs and delivering the best figures by an Australian spinner in the format. South African skipper Temba Bavuma admitted his side was outplayed from the first ball, praising Australia’s intensity and execution.Though South Africa clinched the series 2‑1, today’s match was an emphatic statement from Australia—an all‑round demolition that salvaged pride and thrilled the home crowd.
