Australia highest total in ODI came very close to breaking their all-time record when they hammered 431/2 in the third ODI against South Africa in Mackay. This score became Australia’s second-highest total in ODI history, just behind the famous 434/4 in Johannesburg (2006), which also came against South Africa.
The innings featured brilliant batting performances from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green, who all scored centuries and left South Africa completely stunned. The match also witnessed several new records being set, making it a memorable chapter in Australian cricket history.
Biggest Victory Margin
Australia’s dominance was complete as they crushed South Africa by a massive 276 runs. This result went straight into the record books. It was South Africa’s biggest defeat in ODI history (by runs), a result they would want to forget quickly.
For Australia, this became their second-biggest win in ODIs, just behind their record 309-run victory against the Netherlands in 2023. That same match also featured Australia highest total in ODI history, showing how dangerous their batting lineup can be. On the overall list, this stands as the fourth-largest win by runs among all Full Member nations in ODI cricket.
Australia’s Batting Records
- 431/2 – Australia’s second-highest ODI total ever.
- This was also the Australia Highest Total in ODI on Australian soil.
- It is the second-highest total against South Africa, just after Australia’s 434/4 in 2006.
Top Order Dominance
For only the second time in ODI history, all of Australia’s top three batters scored centuries in the same innings:
- Travis Head – 142 runs
- Mitchell Marsh – 100 runs
- Cameron Green – 118 runs*
Earlier, the only time such a rare achievement was seen in ODIs was back in 2015, when South Africa’s top three batters smashed centuries against West Indies in Johannesburg.
In Mackay, Australia repeated this history as Head, Marsh, and Green all scored tons, building a massive foundation for Australia highest total in ODI. Their opening stand of 250 runs between Head and Marsh also became one of the finest partnerships, ranking as the fifth-highest for Australia in ODI cricket history.
Cameron Green’s Record Century
Cameron Green smashed his maiden ODI century off just 47 balls, making it:
- The second-fastest century for Australia in ODIs (behind Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball hundred vs Netherlands in 2023).
- The fastest ODI century against South Africa, beating Matthew Hayden’s 66-ball effort.
His partnership with Alex Carey added 164 runs at a scoring rate of 12.14 per over, which is the highest ever for Australia in partnerships above 150 runs in Australia Highest Total in ODI(2nd highest) match.
Bowling Brilliance – Connolly’s Milestone
It wasn’t only the batters who shined in this match. 22-year-old Cooper Connolly created history with the ball and produced a dream spell. He took 5 wickets for just 22 runs, making him the youngest Australian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
These figures are now recorded as the best bowling performance by an Australian spinner in ODIs, breaking Brad Hogg’s long-standing record of 5/32 against West Indies back in 2005. Connolly’s brilliant effort perfectly complemented the batting fireworks, where Australia once again showed why they hold the record for the Australia highest total in ODI history.
Final Thoughts
The Mackay ODI will be remembered as one of the greatest batting shows by Australia. With 431/2, they registered their second-highest total in ODI cricket and crushed South Africa with a record margin.
The match not only highlighted the depth of Australia’s batting lineup but also showed the rise of youngsters like Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly. Fans will always recall this clash whenever the phrase “Australia highest total in ODI” is mentioned.
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