Cooper Connolly makes history, breaks 38-year record

MACKAY: Australia’s young all-rounder Cooper Connolly made history on Sunday, delivering a record-breaking performance that led his side to a thumping 276-run victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

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Turning 22 just two days ago, Connolly stunned the visitors with a remarkable five-wicket haul, becoming the youngest Australian to do so in ODI cricket. He surpassed a long-standing record held by Craig McDermott, who achieved the feat at 22 years and 204 days against Pakistan in 1987. Connolly’s figures of 5/22 in six overs dismantled South Africa’s middle order and sealed their heaviest defeat in ODIs by runs.

Australia, determined to avoid a whitewash after losing the first two matches of the series, came out firing with the bat. Skipper Mitchell Marsh (100) and opener Travis Head (142) set the tone early under clear Mackay skies, posting a commanding 250-run partnership – the fifth-highest in ODI history for Australia.

The onslaught didn’t end there. Cameron Green continued the carnage, slamming a blistering century off just 47 balls – the second-fastest ODI ton by an Australian. Alex Carey chipped in with a rapid 50 from 37 deliveries as Australia powered their way to a mammoth 431/2, their fourth-highest ODI total.

It was only the second time in ODI history that three players from the same team scored centuries in a single innings, the first being South Africa’s effort against the West Indies in 2015.

South Africa, in response, crumbled under pressure, with Connolly weaving through their lineup with his left-arm orthodox spin. Wiaan Mulder endured a particularly tough day, conceding 93 runs from just seven overs. His economy rate of 13.30 ranks as the second-worst for any bowler delivering six or more overs in an ODI, behind Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien (13.57 against South Africa in 2015).

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While the series already belonged to South Africa with a 2-0 lead, Australia salvaged pride with a clinical all-round performance in the finale – one that will be remembered for the emergence of a new star in Connolly and a dominant show of strength from the top order.