In a spectacular display of batting firepower, Australia defeated South Africa by a massive 276 runs in the final match of their series in Mackay, handing the Proteas their largest-ever One Day International (ODI) defeat. The historic win, which came after South Africa had already sealed the series, was a fitting display of the hosts’ offensive might and was propelled by a record-breaking performance from their top order.
Australia’s innings was built on an unprecedented onslaught, as the top three batsmen all scored centuries, an extremely rare feat in men’s ODI history.
- Travis Head set the tone with a dominant knock of 142 runs off just 103 balls.
- Captain Mitchell Marsh contributed a powerful 100 off 106 balls.
- Cameron Green then unleashed a blistering 118 runs from just 55 balls, including eight sixes, to push the total to a colossal 431/2. This was Australia’s second-highest ODI total of all time.
In response, South Africa’s chase never got going, and they were bowled out for a mere 155 runs in just 24.5 overs. The 276-run margin of victory eclipses their previous heaviest defeat of 245 runs. While the win served as a consolation for Australia, the series was ultimately won by South Africa with a 2-1 scoreline. The final match’s result, however, will be remembered for the individual brilliance and team-wide dominance demonstrated by the Australian batsmen.
Key Highlights:
- Australia defeated South Africa by 276 runs in the final match of their ODI series, giving the Proteas their heaviest-ever defeat in the format.
- The victory was set up by a record-breaking batting performance, with centuries from the top three batsmen: Travis Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100), and Cameron Green (118).
- Australia’s total of 431/2 was their second-highest in men’s ODI history.
- Although Australia won the match, South Africa had already clinched the series with a 2-1 victory.