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Cooper Connolly took 5/22 as Australia crushed South Africa by 276 runs in Mackay, recording their second-highest ODI score of 431/2.

Australia delivered a commanding performance in Mackay on Sunday (August 24), crushing South Africa by 276 runs in the third ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The result not only denied the Proteas a clean sweep but also handed them their heaviest defeat in ODI history.

The star of the match was 20-year-old left-arm spinner Cooper Connollywho produced a career-defining spell. He finished with sensational figures of 5/22, becoming the youngest Australian spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in men’s ODIs. Connolly dismissed Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj. His final wicket etched his name into the history books as the first Australian spinner to take a five-for against South Africa in ODIs since the sides first met in 1992. He also joined Michael Clarke as only the second Australian left-arm spinner to achieve this feat in the format.

Australia’s batters had already set up the game with a colossal total of 431/2, their second-highest in ODI history. Openers Travis Head (142 off 103) and Mitchell Marsh (100 off 106) dominated from the start, putting on a record 250-run stand. The momentum only grew when Cameron Green blasted 118 off just 55 balls*, striking at over 214, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey added an unbeaten 50.

Chasing 432, South Africa faltered early, losing captain Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton cheaply. Connolly then took charge, ripping through the middle order with skill and composure far beyond his age. The visitors folded for just 155, suffering a record-breaking defeat that surpassed their previous worst loss—by 243 runs against India in 2023.

Australia may have lost the series 1-2, but Connolly’s brilliance ensured they ended on a high. More importantly, it announced the arrival of a rising star in Australian cricket, one who could shape the team’s future.