Australia’s top order was on fire as Travis Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100), and Cameron Green (100 off 47) helped post a massive 431/2
South Africa's top order collapsed horribly as they could only score 155 runs during the chase
Despite the heavy 276-run defeat in the final ODI, South Africa won the series 2-1, with Keshav Maharaj taking home the Player of the Series award
Australia and South Africa went up against each other in the third ODI which took place on Sunday, August 24 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. South Africa were 2-0 up in the series after winning the first two games convincingly. They went on to the clash to clean sweep the Aussies by winning the third ODI as well.
However, Australian batters had something different in their minds. Batting first, they ended up scoring a humongous total of 431 runs after the loss of just two wickets. Openers Travis Head and Mitchell starting the innings aggressively with both going on to score centuries. Head departed after a tremendous knock of 142 runs while Marsh scored 100 runs. Cameron Green came into bat at No. 3 and continued the momentum, smashing a breathtaking 100 off just 47 balls. Alex Carey also scored a half century as the Proteas bowlers looked clueless throughout the innings.
Chasing the target, South Africa had a shaky start, losing their first wicket on just 11 runs. Australian pacers dismantled the South African top order. Only Tony de Zorzi (33) and Dewal Brevis (49) could contribute something to the scoreboard but it wasn't enough to get the team past the victory line.
However, despite the loss, Temba Bavuma's side won the three-match ODI series 2-1 with Keshav Maharaj being named Player for the Series for his magnificent bowling performances.
Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI Toss Update
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bat first in the third ODI. This is the first time after 21 toss wins that Marsh has opted to bat first. On the previous 21 back-to-back occasions, Marsh had chosen to field after winning the toss.
Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI Playing XI
South Africa regular captain Temba Bavuma returned to the Playing XI after missing the second ODI due to a hamstring issue. Kwena Maphaka too was included while Australia replaced Josh Hazlewood with Sean Abbott. Aussies also included Cooper Connolly in place of an out-of-form Aaron Hardie.
South Africa Playing XI: Ryan Rickelton(w), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kwena Maphaka
Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Full Squads:
Australia Squad: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly
South Africa Squad: Ryan Rickelton(w), Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Temba Bavuma, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius
