AUS vs SA 2025 3rd ODI Highlights: AUS Salvage Consolation Win as Head, Marsh Smash Centuries in 3rd ODI

In an incredible feat, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head achieved the highest-ever opening stand for Australia against South Africa in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing the record held by the illustrious opening duo of Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. During the current third ODI between the two teams at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, the explosive batting duo achieved the milestone. 

Travis Head was the most aggressive of the two in their enormous 250-run partnership for the opening wicket with Mitchell Marsh. For the first time in 24 innings, Australia was able to create a century opening stand in ODIs as the two quickly surpassed the 100-run threshold. Head later reached his century, and about ten overs after that, Marsh reached his century as well. Cameron Green then accelerated with Alex Carey. Together, they forged an undefeated 82-ball 164-run partnership for the third wicket, helping Australia reach their second-highest ODI total of 431/2 at the end of 50 overs.

AUS vs SA 2025 3rd ODI Stats:

• Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh - 250, today
• Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden - 170
• Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin - 129
• Aaron Finch, David Warner - 118
• Shaun Marsh, David Warner - 114

As previously stated, Head and Marsh presently hold the top spot after their 250-run partnership in the third ODI of the current series. Legendary players who have crushed the South African attack as top-order hitters, including Gilchrist, Hayden, Clarke, Haddin, Finch, and Warner, are on the list. Australia was riding high on Head and Marsh's spectacular hundreds as they raced to a massive total in the last ODI. With Cameron Green and Alex Carey batting at 63* and 29*, respectively, the hosts were 350 for two at the time of writing. 

The final player out as South Africa collapsed for just 155 in 24.5 overs was Kwena Maphaka (0 off 5), who had earlier in the game given up 73 runs in six overs. But they won the series 2-1, further solidifying their control over the Australians in bilateral series and ODIs. However, Australia's utter dominance will be the match's lasting impression.

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