Australia Thrash South Africa with Triple Centuries in Mackay

Australia produced a batting masterclass in Mackay as Cameron Green, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh all struck centuries to dismantle South Africa in the third ODI. The trio lifted Australia to 431 for 2, their second-highest total in one-day cricket, before Cooper Connolly’s five-wicket haul sealed a crushing 276-run victory.

Head and Marsh gave Australia a blistering start, adding 250 runs for the first wicket. Head raced to 142 off 97 balls while Marsh anchored his way to 100 before falling to a slog-sweep. The foundation set the stage for Green, who walked in with intent and turned the game into a spectacle.

It was an ideal stage for Green to showcase what he could do. His maiden ODI hundred came from just 47 deliveries, the second-fastest for Australia in the format.

Green’s innings ended unbeaten on 118 while  Alex Carey added a quick 50 not out, and the hosts finished with a massive total of 431.

South Africa’s reply never settled. Their top order crumbled inside nine overs, leaving the chase in tatters. Dewald Brevis scored a fast 49, but Connolly took the honours with some clever variations. He recorded a best figure of 5-22, coming at the age of 22 years, and he is now the youngest Australian to take a five-for in ODI history.

Australia secured an emphatic victory to not only avoid a humiliation (whitewash) but also to underline that they are simply deeper and dominating on home turf. The night that South Africa had was sobering since it was their heaviest defeat on ODI grounds.

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