Aussie top order finally fires as massive total sets up thumping ODI win over South Africa

Australia’s second-highest ODI total, led by centuries from Cameron Green, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, has set-up a thumping 276-run consolation victory over South Africa in Mackay.

Green fired the second-fastest century in Australian ODI history, while Head and Marsh put on a 250-run opening stand, before skittling the Proteas for 155 in 24.5 overs.

After only taking one wicket in his previous four ODIs, spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly starred with the ball by bagging figures of 5-22.

Australia’s 2-431 fell three runs short of their largest ODI total of 4-434, which came in the classic 2006 game against South Africa in Johannesburg when the Proteas incredibly chased down their target.

Green’s first ODI ton came from just 47 balls, which sits only behind Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball hundred in the 2023 World Cup against the Netherlands among Australian centuries.

The 26-year-old finished unbeaten on 118 from 55 balls, pairing with Alex Carey (50no) to capitalise on a high-scoring start.

His late heroics overshadowed openers Head and Marsh putting on the seventh-highest partnership in Australia’s ODI history.

Head (142 from 103 balls) made his seventh ODI century – and first in almost a year – in a powerful reminder of why he is one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket.

Marsh (100) later joined him, posting his fourth ODI ton, before being dismissed on the next ball he faced.

The pair’s 250-run partnership was the fifth-highest opening stand for Australia, with Head and former star David Warner holding the best two.

Warner was involved in all of the five biggest Aussie partnerships in 50-over cricket.

Marsh’s decision to bat first after winning the toss for the first time in his Australian captaincy career seriously paid off.

After electing to field the previous 21 times he has won the toss, Marsh decided to bat.