South Africa suffered their worst-ever defeat in One Day International (ODI) cricket after a crushing loss to Australia in the third and final match of the series on Sunday in Mackay.
Australia demolished the visitors by 276 runs, handing them their biggest loss in ODI history. Despite the heavy defeat, South Africa had already secured the three-match series 2-1 after winning the first two encounters.
Batting first, Australia posted a massive total of 431 for 2. The top order dominated the Proteas’ bowling attack, with all three leading batters scoring centuries. Openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh put together a brilliant 250-run partnership for the first wicket. Head smashed 142 off 103 balls, while Marsh scored an exact 100 from 106 deliveries.
Cameron Green delivered the most explosive innings of the day, hammering an unbeaten 118 from just 55 balls, which included six fours and eight sixes. He was well supported by Alex Carey, who remained not out on 50 as the pair added 164 runs for the third wicket.
In reply, South Africa collapsed to 155 all out, unable to handle Australia’s fiery bowling attack. Youngster Cooper Connolly starred with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for only 22 runs. Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett also chipped in with two wickets each.
The 276-run defeat surpasses South Africa’s previous heaviest ODI loss, which was a 243-run defeat to India in 2023.
Despite this record-breaking setback, South Africa can take some consolation from their overall series win.
