🏏 Match Overview | Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025
Australia produced a record-breaking performance at Harrup Park, Mackay on August 24, 2025, as they defeated South Africa by a massive 276 runs in the final ODI of the series. Despite the Proteas winning the series 2-1, Australia’s dominance in the third ODI stole the headlines.
The match was all about Travis Head’s masterful 142, Cameron Green’s explosive 118 off 55 balls, and Cooper Connolly’s sensational 5-wicket haul that left South Africa clueless.
📊 Match Summary
| Match | 3rd ODI – Australia vs South Africa |
|---|---|
| Venue | Harrup Park, Mackay 🇦🇺 |
| Date | August 24, 2025 |
| Result | Australia won by 276 runs |
| Series Result | South Africa won 2-1 |
| Player of the Match | 🏆 Travis Head (AUS) – 142 (103) |
| Player of the Series | 🌟 Keshav Maharaj (SA) – 6 wickets, 37 runs |
🚀 Australia’s Batting Carnage
Australia batted first and posted a mammoth 431/2 in their 50 overs – their second-highest ODI total ever. The innings was a masterclass of aggressive batting led by Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green.
💥 Travis Head’s Stunning 142 (103)
- Smacked 17 fours and 5 sixes 🎯
- Maintained a blistering strike rate of 137.86
- Took apart South Africa’s pace and spin attack effortlessly
Head set the tone for Australia’s dominance and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
⚡ Mitchell Marsh’s Captain’s Knock – 100 (106)
- Played the anchor role alongside Head
- Built a 250-run partnership for the first wicket 🤝
- Finished with 6 fours and 5 sixes, striking at 94.33
🔥 Cameron Green’s Fireworks – 118(55)*
- Came in after Head and Marsh departed
- Smashed 6 fours and 8 sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 214.54 🚀
- Demolished the South African bowlers at the death
🎯 Alex Carey’s Quickfire Finish – 50(37)*
- Ensured Australia finished strong
- Played smart cricket, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries
💔 South Africa’s Bowling Nightmare
South Africa’s bowlers had no answers to Australia’s relentless assault:
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwena Maphaka | 6 | 73 | 0 | 12.16 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 7 | 93 | 0 | 13.28 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10 | 57 | 1 | 5.70 |
| Corbin Bosch | 10 | 68 | 0 | 6.80 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 9 | 75 | 1 | 8.33 |
| Aiden Markram | 8 | 60 | 0 | 7.50 |
😞 South Africa’s Batting Collapse
Chasing a mammoth target of 432, South Africa crumbled under pressure, bowled out for 155 in just 24.5 overs.
⭐ Dewald Brevis – The Lone Fighter (49 off 28)
- Showed glimpses of brilliance with 5 sixes and 2 fours
- Played aggressively but lacked support from the other end
🚫 Top-Order Failure
- Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Ryan Rickelton all failed to convert starts
- South Africa was 31/2 within the first 5 overs and never recovered
🎩 Cooper Connolly’s 5-Wicket Magic
Australia’s rising star Cooper Connolly delivered a dream spell:
- 6 overs | 22 runs | 5 wickets 🎯
- Removed Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Bosch, Maharaj, and Stubbs
- Used clever variations to dismantle the Proteas’ middle and lower order
🏆 Player of the Series – Keshav Maharaj 🌟
Despite South Africa’s heavy loss, Keshav Maharaj’s consistent performances with both bat and ball across the series earned him the Player of the Series award.
- 6 wickets across three ODIs
- Provided crucial breakthroughs
- Scored 37 handy runs when required
📅 Series Recap – South Africa Clinch It 2-1
Although Australia dominated the final ODI, South Africa’s early wins ensured they won the series 2-1.
- 1st ODI: South Africa won by 4 wickets 🏆
- 2nd ODI: South Africa won by 5 wickets 🏆
- 3rd ODI: Australia won by 276 runs 🔥
🔍 Key Takeaways from the 3rd ODI
For Australia 🇦🇺
Positives:
✅ Travis Head’s return to form
✅ Cameron Green’s explosive batting
✅ Connolly’s emergence as a match-winner
⚠️ Bowling needs to be more consistent early in the innings
For South Africa 🇿🇦
Positives:
✅ Dewald Brevis’ attacking approach
✅ Maharaj’s consistency
Concerns:
⚠️ Top-order collapses
⚠️ Death bowling vulnerabilities
⚠️ Inability to handle pressure chases
📈 Updated Series Stats
| Top Run-Scorers | Runs |
|---|---|
| Travis Head (AUS) | 215 |
| Cameron Green (AUS) | 165 |
| Dewald Brevis (SA) | 143 |
| Mitchell Marsh (AUS) | 120 |
| Top Wicket-Takers | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Cooper Connolly (AUS) | 7 |
| Keshav Maharaj (SA) | 6 |
| Xavier Bartlett (AUS) | 5 |
| Sean Abbott (AUS) | 4 |
🤔 Expert Opinion
“Australia’s emphatic win in the final ODI shows their batting depth and bowling strength. However, South Africa winning the series highlights their consistency across matches.” – Cricket Analysts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Who won the Australia vs South Africa ODI series 2025?
A: South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2-1.
2️⃣ Who was the Player of the Match in the 3rd ODI?
A: Travis Head scored 142 off 103 balls and won the Player of the Match award.
3️⃣ Who won the Player of the Series award?
A: Keshav Maharaj from South Africa claimed the Player of the Series award.
4️⃣ How many runs did Australia score in the 3rd ODI?
A: Australia posted 431/2 in their 50 overs.
5️⃣ How many wickets did Cooper Connolly take in the final ODI?
A: Cooper Connolly took a five-wicket haul (5/22) in just 6 overs.
✅ Conclusion
Australia might have lost the series 2-1, but their dominant victory in the final ODI will boost their confidence ahead of future tours. South Africa, despite the defeat, proved their strength with back-to-back wins earlier, setting up a thrilling ODI rivalry.