Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green delivered explosive centuries, propelling Australia to a commanding 276-run victory over South Africa in the final ODI in Mackay on Sunday.
Despite South Africa having already secured the series 2-1 after winning the T20 series, the reigning 50-over world champions Australia played for pride in this match.
A formidable 250-run opening stand between Head (142) and Marsh (100), along with Green’s scorching century, drove Australia to an impressive 431-2.
The home side smashed 18 sixes, achieving their second-highest ODI total, just behind their 434 against South Africa in 2006.
South Africa was bowled out for 155 in 24.5 overs, with spinner Cooper Connolly taking 5-22.
“Quite a remarkable day, wasn’t it?” Australia captain Marsh remarked.
“A complete performance from the team. It came a bit late, but credit to South Africa for their exceptional play in the first two games.”
Choosing to bat, Head and Marsh scored 86 runs in the first 10 overs, showcasing Australia’s aggressive approach.
With Kagiso Rabada absent due to injury and Lungi Ngidi rested for the final match, South Africa’s pace attack lacked its typical intensity.
Australia reached 100 in the 13th over, and Head achieved his century off 80 balls with a single off spinner Senuran Muthusamy.
Australia crossed the 250 mark in the 34th over but lost Head immediately, caught off spinner Keshav Maharaj after hitting five sixes and 17 fours.
Marsh, who also hit five sixes, completed his century before being dismissed attempting a slog-sweep against Muthusamy. However, Green’s incredible power-hitting offered no respite for South Africa.
The all-rounder sped to a 47-ball century, his first and the second fastest by an Australian in ODIs, hitting eight sixes in his unbeaten 118 off 55 balls. Alex Carey added 50 not out.
In response, South Africa struggled to 50-4 by the ninth over and never recovered.
Dewald Brevis (49) and Tony de Zorzi (33) provided brief resistance, but Connolly, supported by excellent fielding from his teammates, dismantled South Africa’s middle order.
“We were under pressure from the start,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said.
“They put us on the back foot. It seemed like a great surface… They outperformed us today.”
Maharaj was named player-of-the-series with six wickets.
