Australia crushed South Africa by a massive 276-run margin in the third and final ODI, salvaging some pride and avoiding a clean sweep in the three-match series. The home team’s batters put on a batting masterclass, setting an imposing total of 431/2, a target that proved insurmountable for the visitors, who were bowled out for a mere 155.

Cooper Connolly’s fifer dismantled South African batting lineup

South Africa’s chase began disastrously and never recovered, as their top order collapsed under the relentless pressure of Australia’s bowlers. The Proteas lost four wickets for just 50 runs, with none of the top-order batsmen able to offer any significant resistance. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton fell cheaply. Tony de Zorzi showed some fight, scoring a run-a-ball 33, but the wickets continued to tumble around him. The biggest disappointment came from Dewald Brevis, who, despite hitting five sixes in his brisk 49, failed to convert his start into a substantial knock. The tail offered little to no fight, with the last six wickets adding only 48 runs, highlighting the team’s complete surrender.

The Australian bowling attack was clinical and incisive, executing their plan to perfection. Left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly was the standout performer, ripping through the middle and lower order with an incredible five-wicket haul for just 22 runs. His tight lines and control choked the run flow and exposed the fragility of the South African lineup. The new ball attack of Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott also played a crucial role, with both bowlers picking up two wickets each to put the Proteas on the back foot early. Even with the massive total, the bowlers maintained their intensity, delivering a professional and disciplined performance.

Three centuries power Australia to a record-breaking total in the first innings

Earlier, Australia’s innings was a spectacle of power-hitting, setting up a record-breaking total. Openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh laid the foundation with a formidable partnership of 250 runs. Head was in particularly destructive form, blasting a brilliant 142 from just 103 balls, decorated with 17 fours and five sixes. Captain Marsh was equally impressive, scoring a composed yet aggressive 100 from 106 deliveries before being dismissed. However, the true fireworks came from Cameron Green and Alex Carey. Green’s unbeaten 118 from just 55 balls was a breathtaking display of hitting, including eight sixes.

The South African bowling attack was completely overwhelmed and lacked the tools to contain the Australian onslaught. The frontline pacers proved to be expensive, leaking runs at an alarming rate of over 12 runs an over. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy provided the only moments of relief for the Proteas, managing to claim the two wickets that fell, but they too were largely ineffective in curbing the flow of boundaries. The bowlers struggled to find a consistent line and length, and their defensive fields were no match for the Australian batsmen’s aggressive intent. The overall performance was a day the Proteas would surely want to forget.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Travis Head lights up Great Barrier Reef Arena with a blistering century in the 3rd ODI

Here’s how fans reacted:

Cooper Connolly (5/22) with the best ever figures by an Australian spinner in a men’s ODI.

This stat makes for a great cricket trivia question.#AUSvSA

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) August 24, 2025

We looked like we were playing on an entirely different pitch #AUSvSA

— Amanda 👑 (@__amyhlati) August 24, 2025

🏆 South Africa won ODI Series 2-1. Congratulations 🎉.
Congratulations to Keshav Maharaj (Player of the Series 🏆)#AUSvSA @keshavmaharaj16

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) August 24, 2025

Missed most of our bowling innings but saw Cooper got a 5fa! Awesome! #AUSvSA https://t.co/df4GWrrCQn

— Click 🙂 (@ClickCollins) August 24, 2025

An absolute demolition, with three Aussies scoring hundreds and there was an unlikely hero with the ball.🔥🏏

All the #AUSvSA news: https://t.co/Nibvrjgfum pic.twitter.com/d1TJL8fbre

— زخمی غلام (@Zakhmi102) August 24, 2025

SA capitulated to 155 all-out as Australia got a consultation win by a massive 276 runs #AUSvSA

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) August 24, 2025

🚨FIFTH STRAIGHT ODI SERIES WIN FOR SOUTH AFRICA VS AUSTRALIA 🏆🔥🚨

The Proteas have turned it into a habit of dominance over the Aussies in ODIs…!!! 🇿🇦⚡
UNSTOPPABLE STREAK…!!! 💪#AUSvsSA #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/LnVvPH4Was

— INDIAN CRICKETER (@indian_Cricket4) August 24, 2025

Australia secure a massive win with their all-round brilliance in Mackay 🎉#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/QuJWrMUy8G

— Muasharaf Parvaiz (@MuasharafP) August 24, 2025

Deadrubber! But still massive. Weakest odi side in Ausie history! Play the bollie card. Still world champs!🤣🤣🤣

Well done vroteas, series well and trully won! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/XZx3wktTBV

— Mike Alberts (@MikeAlberts86) August 24, 2025

AUSTRALIA DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA BY 276 RUNS IN THE THIRD ODI…!!! 🤯

– Australia won the T20I series.
– South Africa won the ODI series.

A Great series between two top sides. pic.twitter.com/qBU4q4Wc0Q

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

Australia win by a massive margin of 276 runs 🔥🔥#Cricket #AUSvsSA #Australia pic.twitter.com/gNp6bjd4gJ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 24, 2025

Also READ: Fans go wild as Cameron Green shines with record-breaking maiden hundred in the 3rd ODI