Australia displayed a formidable performance in the third One Day International (ODI) against South Africa, winning by a staggering 276 runs. It delivered a damning, 3-0, whitewash series defeat that proved to be very costly for the mating game. They finished the three-match series on 1-2 down in favour of South Africa.
As expected, Australia lit up the historic Sydney Cricket Ground by posting a blazing total of 431 runs. What an achievement, and that’s their second-highest ODI score! The team’s top three batsmen all had exceptional games, with each scoring a century. Travis Head was the standout, with a superb 142 runs alongside Cameron Green with an impressive 118 runs. Mitchell Marsh pitched in with a magnificent century of his own, scoring 100 runs.
Cameron Green’s innings was an absolute beauty. He pummeled his ton in just 47 deliveries, announcing his entrance as a big-hitter of the future. This quick firing on all fronts went a long way toward giving Australia an incredibly stronghold in the contest.
“They put us under pressure. They made it look like a very good surface, and they were far better than us today.” – Temba Bavuma
Having posed themselves an intimidating ask, Australia’s bowling unit – led by Ellyse Perry’s 3-16 – tore through South Africa’s top order. Cooper Connolly was the best of the bowlers, taking 5-22. This performance proved to be the cherry on top of Australia’s cake of supremacy in the contest. It made Connolly the youngest Australian to score a five-wicket haul in ODIs, achieving this incredible feat only two days after his 22nd birthday.
South Africa had little answer, bowled all out for a paltry 155 runs in 24.5 overs. This defeat was South Africa’s largest loss in an ODI by runs, exceeding their record 276 run record loss.
Despite the result, there was one star who stood out. He received the player-of-the-series award for taking six wickets and for being a bowling performer throughout.
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