Coming into the third ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, Australia had already lost the series by a 0-2 margin. They decided to turn the tables as their captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface which looked firm for batting at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. 

Cooper Connolly, during their huge defense of 431 runs against the Proteas in the second innings, bowled superbly at the touring batters, who didn’t have much idea of the spin. Earlier, the top three batters, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green, along with another fifty from Alex Carey, fired the Aussies to 431/2 in their allotted 50 overs in the first innings.

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Connolly’s first wicket of the evening came against Tony de Zorzi, who got out on 33 runs in 30 balls, with the help of six boundaries. The left-handed batter rocked back and pulled the short ball into the hands of Carey at deep mid-wicket as the opponents lost their fifth wicket of the second innings.

Cooper Connolly overtakes Shane Warne to register best bowling record as Australia spinner

Three overs later, Connolly caged the huge wicket of Dewald Brevis for 49 runs in 28 balls with the help of two boundaries and five sixes. The right-handed batter couldn’t exactly get under the bat of the flat delivery. He tried to smash the big shot but couldn’t get the elevation right and found Cameron Green, who was tall enough to stop the ball.

Marnus Labuschagne grabbed a stunning catch as Wiaan Mulder couldn’t believe his luck. The third umpire checked the catch several times before showing the red light. When he stumped out Keshav Maharaj, who used his feet to find himself short of the wicket-keeper, Connolly celebrated his five-wicket haul.

The spinner finished with a fine figure of 5/22 in six overs at an economy rate of 3.70. This is now Australia’s best bowling figure by a spinner in the men’s ODIs, as he went past the late great Shane Warne, who ended with fine figures of 5/33 in the innings.  

Australia produced a record-breaking performance in the third ODI against South Africa, clinching victory by a massive 276-run margin to seal a dominant win. After losing the series 2-1, the Aussies ensured they ended on a high with one of their finest batting displays in recent times. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia’s top order dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack. The Proteas, who had already secured the series, were left helpless against the relentless aggression and precision shown by Australia’s batters.

The innings was set up by Travis Head’s blistering knock of 142 off just 103 balls, studded with 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. His partnership with captain Mitchell Marsh laid the perfect foundation for a massive total. Marsh himself struck a composed 100 off 106 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate at will. Their 250-run stand for the first wicket left South Africa searching for breakthroughs before both fell in quick succession.

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Once Head and Marsh departed, Cameron Green capitalized on the solid base, unleashing one of his most destructive innings in ODI cricket. Green hammered 118 off 55 deliveries at a strike rate of 214.55, striking 6 fours and 12 sixes. Alongside Alex Carey’s brisk 50 not out, the duo ensured Australia crossed the 400-mark with ease. Finishing at 431/2 in 50 overs, it was Australia’s second-highest ODI total ever and an almost insurmountable challenge for the visitors.

South Africa fell short of target by 276 runs

In reply, South Africa’s batting faltered under pressure. The early dismissals of Aiden Markram (2), Ryan Rickelton (11), and captain Temba Bavuma (19) left them reeling at 39/3 within six overs. Dewald Brevis showed some resistance with a 28-ball 49, displaying his trademark power hitting, but his dismissal sparked another collapse. None of the other batters could build partnerships, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.

Cooper Connolly was the star with the ball, returning figures of 5/25 in six overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. Abbott and Bartlett provided key breakthroughs with two wickets each, while Zampa chipped in with one. South Africa were bowled out for just 155 in 24.5 overs, losing by a huge 276 runs. Though South Africa claimed the series 2-1, Australia’s statement win reminded the cricketing world of their depth, power, and ability to bounce back strongly in any conditions.

Australia’s batting was on fire in the third ODI at Mackay as they scored a huge 431 runs for 2 wickets in 50 overs.

The innings started with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh giving the team a dream start. They added a record 250 runs for the first wicket. Head was the key player, hitting the ball to all along the ground. He scored a brilliant 142 runs from 103 balls, 17 fours and 5 sixes. Marsh played a steady innings, reaching his hundred from 106 balls .

After their partnership, Cameron Green took charge and scored one of the fastest powerful innings in recent games . He reached his hundred in just 47 balls, the second fastest century by an Australian in ODIs. Green stayed unbeaten with 118 runs from only 55 balls, hitting long sixes with ease.

Alex Carey also scored brilliantly 50 runs not out from 37 balls, rotating the strike and supporting Green in the last final overs. By the end of the innings, Australia had scored a massive score, leaving South Africa facing a very tough chase of 432 runs.

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Twitter reactions after Aussies to 431/2 in First Innings in the 3rd ODI

What Aussie media will tell you: Australia scored 431 runs 🥶 🔥
What Aussie media will never tell you:
All those runs came against Mighty Dinda sorry Mphaka,110kph Wiaan Mulder,103 averege in ODI's with the ball Corbin Bosch & 57 average with the ball Aiden Markram 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LlMwcBvIKR

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

Australia 431/2 in 50 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne didn't even get to bat.
Had he batted he would've scored 50 runs of 85 balls and Australia would've ended up with 375. 😂😂
Australia dodged a bullet 😂 pic.twitter.com/QnI2tyTKUs

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 24, 2025

15 overs to go in the first innings, and the Proteas have finally broken the opening partnership! 🙌🇿🇦

Australia is 256/1 after 35 overs. 🏏 #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/R52PTZAdYm

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 24, 2025

Head - 142 (103).
Green - 118* (55).
Marsh - 100 (106).
Carey - 50* (37).

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6yWG6Cxg9Y

— ABD (@FAheemAli_14) August 24, 2025

Head 142, Green 118*, Marsh 100, Carey 50*: Australia smash 431/2. Rampage. 🇦🇺🔥 pic.twitter.com/nsCJYcmSML

— Chris Felix (@ChrisFeliii) August 24, 2025

HUNDRED FOR CAMERON GREEN FROM JUST 47 BALLS...!!!! 🥶🔥

- Second Fastest Hundred by an Australian in ODI History, One of the Iconic Knocks ever, Brutal Ball striking at its best by the future. pic.twitter.com/dcfYI9W8GK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

Cameron Green turned down an easy single and then went 6, 6, 6! 😱 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/voNCrHoZcV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025

Travis Head - 142(103)
Cameron Green - 118*(55)
Mitchell Marsh - 100(106)
Alex Carey - 50*(37)

AUSTRALIA POSTED 431/2 FROM 50 OVERS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA - Their Second highest total in ODI History. pic.twitter.com/VMChpSul8s

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

Australia (AUS) will face South Africa (SA) in the third and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Sunday, August 24. While the Aussies sealed the T20I series 2-1, they have already lost the ODI series after suffering consecutive defeats. Resting experienced stars like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has backfired, leaving the side vulnerable. Australia’s batting faltered in Cairns during a crushing 98-run defeat in the first game, followed by an 84-run loss in the second, making this contest crucial to avoid a whitewash.

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Meanwhile, South Africa enter the finale high on confidence, having dominated both ODIs with strong batting and exceptional bowling performances. Skipper Temba Bavuma, who struck a vital half-century in the opener, is likely to return after missing the second match. The Proteas bowlers have effectively dismantled Australia’s batting on both occasions, giving them momentum. With a 2-0 lead in hand, South Africa will be eager to complete a clean sweep before heading home.

Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Live Streaming Details

Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Probable Playing XI

Australia (Probable Playing XI)

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa (Probable Playing XI)

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (C), Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger

In the third and final ODI of the home series against South Africa, the Australian top-order batters thrashed all the Proteas bowlers to manage the first innings total of 431/2 in 50 overs. During that unforgettable innings, the Australian centurion top-order batters rewrote the rare ODI record.

While Australia have already lost the series, as the visitors are leading the series by 2-0 before the last game of the ODI series at Mackay, the hosts captain Mitchell Marsh chose to bat first in the last ODI. 

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green scored centuries for Australia

Australian openers Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh smashed a 250-run partnership for the first wicket, which was Australia's fifth-highest opening partnership and the highest opening partnership for any team against South Africa. Head completed his seventh ODI century in 80 balls, and Marsh recorded his fourth ODI century in 105 balls. 

With the help of 17 fours and five sixes, Head scored 142 runs off 103 balls. Meanwhile, skipper Marsh scored 100 off 106 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes. 

For the unbroken third wicket, Cameron Green and Alex Carey slammed a 164-run partnership from just 82 balls. Green slammed his maiden ODI century in just 47 balls to record the second-fastest ODI century by an Australian cricketer. He scored 118 not out off 55 balls, where the right-handed batter slammed six fours and eight sixes. On the other hand, Carey scored 50 not out off 37 balls with seven fours. 

[WATCH] Stunning crowd catch of Mitchell Marsh during AUS vs SA 3rd ODI as video goes viral

All three top batters scored centuries in an ODI innings

It was the second time in ODI history that all the top three batters scored centuries in an ODI innings. The first such incident happened during the 2015 Johannesburg ODI, when the top three South African batters created history for the first time against the West Indies. After openers Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw scored 153 not out and 128 runs, skipper AB de Villiers slammed the fastest ODI hundred and scored 149 runs in just 44 balls. 

While all the top four Aussie batters scored 50 or more runs in the innings, it was the 23rd time in ODI history that experienced all four top batters with 50+ runs in the same ODI innings. 

After losing the first two ODIs against South Africa in the ongoing three-match 50-over series, Australia looked to make a strong statement with the bat in the final game at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Their captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and took the absolute right decision of batting first.

Let’s take a look at the top five highest scores for Australia in ODI history.

1. 434/4 vs South Africa

When Australia smashed this score against the Proteas in 2006 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, they hardly had any idea of losing the game from that position. Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich took them to a flying start of 97 runs in 15.1 overs, with the former scoring 55 runs in 44 balls. Katich scored 79 runs in 90 balls at a strike rate of 87.77.

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Their number three batter, captain Ricky Ponting, played one of the sensational knocks of 164 runs in 105 balls at a strike rate of 156.19, thanks to 13 boundaries and nine sixes, while southpaw Michael Hussey dashed unbeaten 81 runs in 51 balls with a strike rate of nearly 160 as they posted 434 runs in the first innings. 

However, the famous 175-run knock from Herschelle Gibbs and a few more contributions were enough for the Proteas to chase down the target by one wicket on the penultimate delivery.

2. 431/2 vs South Africa

It’s the ongoing clash between Australia and South Africa in Mackay. Winning the toss, they opted to bat first as their openers, Head and Mitchell Marsh, creamed their respective centuries. The former drilled 142 runs in 103 balls at a strike rate of 137.86, decorated with 17 boundaries and five sixes, while Marsh smacked 100 runs.

Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 118 runs in just 55 balls at a strike rate of 214, with the help of six boundaries and eight sixes. Carey also drilled an undefeated 50 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 135.14, smashing seven boundaries. They put 431/2 in their allotted 50 overs in the first innings of the encounter.

3. 417/6 vs Afghanistan

This huge and successful batting performance from the Pat Cummins-led side came from the 2015 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan. At WACA, they batted first to post 417 runs on the board, with Warner clubbed a fine knock of 178 runs in 133 balls at a strike rate of 133.83, thanks to 19 boundaries and five sixes. Steve Smith was equally great in the job with 95 runs in 98 balls.

Glenn Maxwell continued to muscle the ball at all parts of the ground with 88 runs in just 39 balls at a strike rate of 225.64. It was another poor batting show from the Asian side, who were bundled out for 142 runs and earned the defeat by 275 runs.

4. 399/5 vs Netherlands

It was from the last ODI World Cup in 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi when Australia met the Netherlands for the vital game. Batting first on a good batting surface, they posted 399/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Opening batter, David Warner, clubbed a fine knock of 104 runs in just 93 balls with 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 111.82.

Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with 62 runs in just 47balls. But for the champions to get to a mammoth score, the biggest contribution came from Glenn Maxwell, who bashed 106 runs in just 44 balls at a strike rate of 240.90, smashing nine boundaries and eight sixes in the innings.  

None of the Dutch batters were able to spend time in the middle as they were bundled out for 90 runs in the second innings, allowing Australia to earn a huge victory by 309 runs.

5. 392/8 vs South Africa 

It’s the clash at Bloemfontein between the Aussies and the Proteas in 2023 when the former posted 392/8 in their first innings. Their opening batter, David Warner, drilled 106 runs in 93 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 113.97, while Head creamed 64 runs in 36 deliveries at a strike rate of around 180.

Labuschagne smashed 124 runs in 99 balls at a strike rate of 125.25, decorated with 19 boundaries and one six. Josh Inglis drilled 50 runs in 37 balls with seven boundaries and one six as they fired their way to 392 runs.

In reply, South Africa posted 269 to lose the game. For the home side, most of their batters got starts, but none of them were able to convert them to a big score, which didn’t help them in the chase. They faced defeat by 123 runs in the encounter. 

After losing the first two ODIs of the three-match 50-over series against South Africa, Australia looked to make a stunning comeback during the third game at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Their captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface that looked firm and hard and full of runs. 

Both the opening batters of the home side, Australia, Marsh and Travis Head, looked to dominate the Protea bowlers with some big shots around the park. A great moment took place when Marsh looked to club Aiden Markram over the covers. He got full elevation on the shot as the ball flew out of the park for a six.

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But the camera found the spectator in the stand, grabbing a fine catch. The ball was travelling with power, but the spectator was calm and composed to grab the fine catch in the game. But they continued their opening stand to post a huge score on the board for the home side.

Watch: Excellent crowd catch video of Mitchell Marsh during AUS vs SA 3rd ODI goes viral

The 250-run opening stand put the 2023 ODI champions in a strong position. Head continued to nail the big shots one after another, without any fear of getting dismissed. The left-handed batter celebrated a fine century and ended his knock with 142 runs in just 103 balls at a strike rate of 137.86, with the help of 17 boundaries and five over boundaries.

Mitch Marsh got onto this one well and the crowd catch was very solid! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/cTkruP1dcZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025

Marsh, on the other hand, also clubbed the big shots around the park. He also reached his century in 105 balls, thanks to six boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of over 90. Australia looked good to get past the 375-run mark, having already accumulated 264/1 in the first 36 overs of the first innings.

It was an important game for the Australian side, who were playing their first ODI game after the retirements of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell post the Champions Trophy 2025. They have a few puzzles to set before the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

South Africa recorded their fifth successive ODI bilateral series win against Australia, after winning the second game of the three-match ODI series in Australia by 84 runs. 

Visitors South Africa were already leading the ODI series by 1-0 before the second ODI at Mackay after winning the series opener by 98 runs. While captain Temba Bavuma was rested for the second ODI, Aiden Markram led the Proteas side in the second game, where the visitors chose to bat first. After South Africa were all out for 277 runs in 49.1 overs, they bowled out the hosts for 193 runs in 37.4 overs. 

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Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs guided the team to a strong total with solid knocks

Both the South African openers, Ryan Rickelton (8) and skipper Aiden Markram (0), were dismissed in the single-digit scores. However, the next three Proteas batters controlled the innings strongly. While Tony de Zorzi scored 38 off 39 balls (five fours), he had a 67-run partnership with Matthew Breetzke for the third wicket.

Then Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs had an 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While Breetzke smashed 88 off 78 balls with 10 fours and two sixes, Stubbs scored 74 off 87 balls (three fours and one six) before getting out in the 44th over.

Wiaan Mulder (26) and Keshav Maharaj (22) played two crucial cameos in the innings, which helped the Proteas to set a challenging total. 

Among the Australian bowlers, Adam Zampa (3/63) picked up three wickets, while Xavier Bartlett (2/45), Nathan Ellis (2/46), and Marnus Labuschagne (2/19) bagged two wickets each. Also, the pacer Josh Hazlewood (1/57) took one wicket.

Lungi Ngidi claimed five-wicket haul

In reply, Australia got a poor start and never managed to come up to the challenging position. At the end of the first powerplay, the hosts scored 39/3 in 10 overs. Only Cameron Green and Josh Inglis produced some fightback, as they were the only batters to reach the 20-run mark in that innings. Green scored 35 off 54 balls (three fours), while Inglis scored 87 off 74 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. They had a 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but once their partnership was broken, the hosts couldn’t handle the late pressure. 

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi recorded his second ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 8.4-1-42-5. Also, Nandre Burger (2/23) and Senuran Muthusamy (2/30) both picked up two wickets each. 

The second ODI of the Australia (AUS) vs South Africa (SA) series will take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Friday, August 22. South Africa leads the three-match series 1-0 after a stunning win in Cairns. Australia got off to a strong start in the first ODI, but they could not maintain that momentum as South Africa set a stiff target of 297 runs. The home team gave a good account of themselves in their chase, but Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul knocked over Australia’s middle order and took their defeat comfortably. The hosts will be eager to bounce back and keep the series alive. 

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Conversely, South Africa was dominant in the first match both with bat and ball. Their batters provided a solid foundation against Australia’s very good bowling line-up and with their disciplined bowling, particularly from Maharaj, it ensured a comfortable win. Heading into the second ODI Temba Bavuma’s men will be looking to wrap up the series in style. However, South Africa may have to make adjustments to their playing XI with Prenelan Subrayen unavailable.

Australia vs South Africa, 2nd ODI: Live Streaming Details

Australia vs South Africa, 2nd ODI: Probable Playing XI

Australia

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis

South Africa

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been penalised for using inappropriate language during the three-match home ODI series opener against South Africa last Tuesday (August 19) at Cairns, where the Proteas won by 98 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. 

Adam Zampa's inappropriate language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast

During the 37th over of the first innings of the match, the 33-year-old Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa used inappropriate language after a misfield and overthrow during his bowling. That language was picked up on the stump microphone and broadcast.

After that match, Zampa was reprimanded for being found guilty of having breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel that relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” It was his first offence in the last 24 months. While it was a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, Zampa has been penalised one demerit point, which he has to carry on for the next 24 months. 

The sanction was proposed by the match referee Andy Pycroft. As Zampa accepted the official sanction after admitting the reported offence, there was no formal hearing required. 

In the case of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, a player faces a penalty of a maximum of 50 per cent of the player's match fees and one or two demerit points. 

See Also: Star South Africa player reported for suspect bowling action

Keshav Maharaj was hero with the ball in AUS vs SA first ODI

With the help of three half-centuries, South Africa scored 296/8 in 50 overs. While Travis Head (4/57) picked up four wickets, Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) and Adam Zampa (1/58) were the other Aussie bowlers to pick up at least one wicket. In reply, Australia were bowled out for only 198 runs, where the 35-year-old left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recorded his first ODI fifer with the bowling figures of 10-1-33-5.