Australia piled up a mammoth 431 for 2 in the third ODI against South Africa on Sunday, falling just short of the world-record 434 but still posting one of their highest totals in ODI history.
Openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh set the stage with a blistering 250-run partnership. Marsh hammered 100 off 106 balls, while Head also reached three figures to lay a strong foundation.
Cameron Green then stole the show, blasting 118 not out from just 55 deliveries – the second-fastest century for Australia in ODIs – striking 6 fours and 8 sixes in a breathtaking display of power hitting. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey added an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls to ensure a perfect finish.
Despite being hammered around the park, Corbin Bosch stood out with respectable figures of 0 for 68 from his 10 overs, while Keshav Maharaj bowled economically for 1 for 57. Wiaan Mulder endured the toughest outing, conceding 93 runs in just 7 overs.
Australia’s record-breaking effort leaves South Africa chasing 432 to win – a total they famously overhauled in the 2006 Johannesburg classic. The Proteas will need something equally historic to keep the series alive.
