Australia signed off the ODI series in style with a record 276-run win over South Africa in the third and final match on Sunday, handing the tourists their heaviest defeat in the format.

Travis Head (142), skipper Mitchell Marsh (100) and Cameron Green (118 not out) all scored centuries as Australia piled up 431-2, its second-highest ODI total and just three runs short of the world record 434-4 it made against the same opposition in 2006. It was only the second time in ODI history that Australia’s top three all reached three figures in the same innings.

Debutant Cooper Connolly then ripped through South Africa with 5-22, as the visitors collapsed to 155 all out in 24.5 overs. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 49, but no other batter offered resistance. Shaun Abbott (2-27) had earlier removed Aiden Markram (2) and captain Temba Bavuma (19) inside the powerplay before Connolly cleaned up the lower order.

Australia opts to bat in final ODI against South Africa

Head and Marsh set the tone with a blistering 250-run opening stand, Australia’s fourth-highest in ODIs, punishing an inexperienced South African attack missing senior quicks Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada. Head blasted 17 fours and five sixes, while Marsh struck a patient run-a-ball hundred before falling to Senuran Muthusamy.

Promoted up the order, Green unleashed a late assault with six fours and eight sixes in his maiden ODI century, adding 164 runs off just 81 balls with Alex Carey (50 not out) in the final 10 overs.

Despite already securing the series with wins in the first two games, South Africa’s weakened attack had no answer to Australia’s batting onslaught.

Source: Agency