Connolly five-for powers Australia to 276-run win over SA in Mackay

Australia produced a crushing performance at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Sunday, August 24, defeating South Africa by 276 runs after posting 431 for 2 and then bowling the visitors out for 155 in 24.5 overs. Left arm spinner Cooper Connolly was the architect of the collapse, finishing with five wickets for 22 runs in six overs as Australia secured their biggest ODI win on home soil and one of the largest in the format.

Australia elected to bat and were propelled by commanding centuries from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Head scored 142 off 103 balls and Marsh made 100 off 106, the pair adding 250 for the first wicket. Cameron Green accelerated late with an unbeaten 118 off 55 balls, including a 47 ball century that was one of the fastest by an Australian in ODIs, while Alex Carey remained 50 not out. The total of 431 for 2 is Australia’s second highest ODI score.

Chasing 432, South Africa lost early wickets and could not recover. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton were dismissed cheaply and quick strikes from Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett compounded the pressure. Dewald Brevis mounted the only meaningful resistance with 49 off 28 balls before Connolly’s spell...