Cricket Highlights, Aug 24: South Africa tour of Australia 2025 (3rd ODI) – AUS vs SA

AUS vs SA (3rd ODI) – Highlights

In Mackay, the Aussies turned the game into a run-fest with the bat. Their dominance left South Africa staring at a mammoth 276-run loss in ODI number three. In what turned out to be a one-sided contest, the hosts piled on a mammoth 431 for 2 before bowling out the visitors for just 155. It was a complete team performance from the Australians, with standout batting contributions from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green, and a five-wicket haul from Cooper Connolly sealing the rout.

The tone was set early when Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh combined for a massive opening partnership. Head was in sublime form, hammering 142 runs from just 103 deliveries, laced with 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. Combining patience with power, Marsh’s 100 from 106 balls gave the team momentum for an explosive finale. The duo added 250 runs for the first wicket, leaving South Africa chasing shadows in the field.

Once the openers departed, Cameron Green shifted the gears into overdrive. The tall all-rounder blazed his way to 118 runs off only 55 balls, striking 6 fours and 8 towering sixes at a strike rate of over 214. His power-hitting dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack, with Wiaan Mulder and Kwena Maphaka bearing the brunt of his assault. Alex Carey provided solid support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 50 off 37 balls as Australia stormed to their highest-ever ODI total against South Africa.

South Africa’s bowling had no answers on the day. Only Maharaj and Muthusamy made breakthroughs, leaving the other bowlers to bear the brunt of Australia’s onslaught. Mulder went for 93 runs in 7 overs, and Maphaka conceded 73 in 6 overs, as the Proteas attack looked helpless against the relentless Australian charge.

Chasing an impossible target of 432, South Africa’s innings collapsed under pressure. Skipper Temba Bavuma tried to fight fire with fire, smashing 19 off just 10 balls, while Tony de Zorzi played a positive knock of 33. However, the wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Dewald Brevis was the lone warrior with a sparkling 49 off 28 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes, but his dismissal ended any faint hopes of resistance.

The spotlight fell on Australia’s young spinner Cooper Connolly, who ripped through South Africa’s lineup, finishing with 5 wickets for just 22 runs. Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott picked up two wickets each to add to South Africa’s misery, while Adam Zampa chipped in with one. In the end, the visitors were bundled out for just 155 in 24.5 overs, handing Australia a colossal 276-run victory.

Travis Head was rightfully named Player of the Match for his brilliant 142, while Keshav Maharaj, despite his side’s loss, took home the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances across the three matches.

Australia vs South Africa Scoreboard

Australia – 431/2 (50)

South Africa – 155/10 (24.5)

Result – Australia won by 276 runs

Player of the Match – Travis Head

AUS vs SA Playing XIs

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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