Australia crush South Africa in 3rd ODI
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI turned into a one-sided affair as the visitors produced their most complete performance of the series. After piling up a mammoth 431/2 in 50 overs, Australia bowled South Africa out for just 155 to secure a massive 276-run victory. While the Proteas had already claimed the series, this result gave the Aussies a chance to finish on a high and avoid a whitewash.
Australian batting dominance
Winning the toss and batting first, Australia’s top order was relentless. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green all scored centuries in what became one of Australia’s most destructive batting displays in recent years.
Head led the charge with a blistering 142 off 103 balls, punishing anything loose and setting the tone from the start. Marsh, the skipper, matched him with a steady 100 from 106 deliveries, providing the perfect blend of aggression and control. Green then took the game away completely, smashing an unbeaten 118 off just 55 balls.
Their partnerships ensured Australia crossed 400 for only the second time in ODI history, finishing on 431/2. The South African bowlers struggled throughout, with only Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy managing a wicket each.
South Africa under pressure
Chasing a record target, South Africa never looked in control. The early strikes from Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott left them reeling inside the powerplay. Skipper Temba Bavuma tried to counterattack but departed quickly, while Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs also fell cheaply.
At 50/4, the Proteas were already in deep trouble. Dewald Brevis fought back with a spirited 49 off 28 balls, and Tony de Zorzi added 33, but the partnership was short-lived. Once both batters fell, the innings unraveled. From 124/5, South Africa collapsed to 155 all out in just 24.5 overs.
Bowling brilliance from Australia
If the batting was outstanding, the bowling was ruthless. With a huge score behind them, the Australian attack went for wickets from the start. Bartlett and Abbott removed the top order, before Cooper Connolly stole the spotlight with a dream spell. The young all-rounder ripped through the middle and lower order to finish with 5/22 in six overs, his maiden ODI five-wicket haul.
Adam Zampa and Abbott provided support, ensuring South Africa never recovered. The bowling unit displayed perfect execution, mixing pace, bounce, and discipline to seal a crushing win.
Player of the match and series
Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his explosive 142 that set the tone for Australia’s innings. His aggressive intent ensured South Africa were always on the back foot. Despite the heavy loss, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj was declared Player of the Series. His consistency with the ball in the earlier matches stood out, even though this final game was tough for the bowlers.
Captains’ reactions
Mitchell Marsh praised his team for showing character after two tough losses. He admitted the first games were below par but was proud of the way the side bounced back. Marsh highlighted the centuries from Head and Green, along with Connolly’s five-wicket haul, as positives to carry forward.
South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma acknowledged that his team was outplayed in every department. He admitted Australia put them under pressure early and felt it was a good learning experience. Bavuma stressed the importance of finding balance between risk and reward when chasing big totals.
Key takeaways from the game
The Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI offered several talking points. Australia proved that when their top order clicks, they can post unbeatable scores. Green’s power-hitting adds depth, while Connolly’s emergence gives the bowling attack another option.
For South Africa, the defeat exposed their middle-order fragility under pressure. While Maharaj impressed during the series, the fast bowlers lacked consistency. Batting collapses remain a concern ahead of tougher assignments in England.
Conclusion
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI will be remembered for Australia’s sheer dominance. With centuries from Head, Marsh, and Green, followed by Connolly’s five-wicket haul, it was a statement win. Though the Proteas had already wrapped up the series, this crushing defeat showed that Australia remain a dangerous side when they play to their strengths. For South Africa, it was a reminder that consistency and balance are vital against top opponents.
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