Australia demolished South Africa in the third and final ODI in Mackay, registering a commanding 276-run victory to close the series on a high. While Australia’s batting fireworks lit up the ground, the day belonged to young spinner Cooper Connolly, who delivered a record-breaking spell that etched his name into cricket history.
Connolly breaks two-decade-old record
Playing his first game of the series, Connolly produced a sensational spell of 5-22, surpassing a two-decade-old record previously held by Brad Hogg. Hogg’s figures of 10-0-32-5 against the West Indies in 2005 had stood as the best bowling performance by an Australian spinner in ODIs. With this feat, Connolly joined an elite group featuring Shane Warne, Michael Clarke, Adam Zampa, and Brad Hogg.
Best bowling figures by an Australian spinner in ODIs:
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Cooper Connolly – 6-0-22-5 (vs South Africa, Mackay, 2025)
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Brad Hogg – 10-0-32-5 (vs West Indies, Melbourne, 2005)
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Shane Warne – 9.3-1-33-5 (vs West Indies, Sydney, 1996)
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Michael Clarke – 7.5-0-35-5 (vs Sri Lanka, Dambulla, 2004)
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Adam Zampa – 9-0-35-5 (vs New Zealand, Cairns, 2022)
Australia’s batting blitz: Head, Marsh, and Green dominate
Earlier, Australia’s top order made a mockery of South Africa’s inexperienced pace attack. Travis Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100), and Cameron Green (118 not out) all smashed centuries to propel Australia to a staggering 431-2, their second-highest ODI total.
Head and Marsh opened with a fiery 250-run stand, Australia’s fourth-highest in ODIs. Head raced to his century in just 80 balls, hammering 17 fours and five sixes, while Marsh anchored his innings with a run-a-ball ton. Once the openers departed, Green took charge, unleashing brutal power-hitting in the death overs. He struck six fours and eight sixes, registering his maiden ODI hundred in style.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey also chipped in with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, stitching together a whirlwind 164-run stand with Green that lifted Australia beyond the 430 mark.
South Africa falter under pressure
Chasing a mammoth target, South Africa never found momentum. None of their batters managed to cross fifty, with Dewald Brevis top-scoring with 49. Fast bowler Shaun Abbott removed Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma early before Connolly spun a web around the middle and lower order. The visitors folded for just 155 in 24.5 overs, handing Australia one of their most dominant ODI wins in recent memory.
A statement performance for Australia
Despite losing the series 2-1, Australia’s performance in Mackay sent a strong message ahead of future competitions. Connolly’s heroics showcased the depth in Australia’s spin department, while the batting onslaught highlighted the explosive firepower of the top order.
This game will be remembered not only for the historic five-wicket haul by Cooper Connolly but also for the ruthless way Australia bounced back after earlier defeats.
