Australia Crush South Africa by 276 Runs in Mackay as Head, Marsh, Green Hit Hundreds

Australia overwhelmed South Africa by 276 runs on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, closing the men’s ODI series with a statement win even as the visitors claimed the series 2–1. The hosts surged to 431/2—Australia’s second-highest ODI total—before bowling South Africa out for 155.

Travis Head (142) and Mitchell Marsh (100) tore into the new ball and stacked up a 250-run opening stand after Australia chose to bat. Cameron Green then turned the finale into a romp, blasting an unbeaten 118 from 55 deliveries and reaching his maiden ODI hundred off just 47 balls—the second-fastest by an Australian in the format. Alex Carey finished 50* in support as the run rate barely dipped in the last 15 overs.

There was only one direction from the outset. Australia rattled 86 in the Powerplay and never looked back, clearing the ropes 18 times and punishing anything remotely off length. Head’s tempo set the tone; Marsh’s control kept the innings on rails; Green’s late assault pushed the total beyond reach.

Australia secure a massive win with their all-round brilliance in Mackay 🎉#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/ZYYY92sHIs

— ICC (@ICC) August 24, 2025

💯s galore as Australia batters make merry in the final ODI 🤯#AUSvSA 📝: https://t.co/JIZynhW7cc pic.twitter.com/cihpvmAdnX

— ICC (@ICC) August 24, 2025

South Africa’s chase never stabilized. Early wickets forced risks, and the middle order couldn’t drag the innings into the second half. Left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly (5/22) claimed a maiden five-for to end any faint resistance, while the support cast kept pressure on from both ends. Dewald Brevis counterpunched for 49, but the mountain was too steep.

It was a thumping response to a difficult week. South Africa had already sealed the series with wins in the first two ODIs; Australia salvaged pride with a record home margin and a batting display that will echo into the next block of limited-overs fixtures.

Key numbers told the story: a 250-run opening stand, Green’s 47-ball hundred, and the second-highest men’s ODI total ever posted by Australia. South Africa still leave with the series, 2–1, but Australia’s finish in Mackay was emphatic and timely.