Australia saved their best for the last. In the final ODI at Mackay, the hosts blew South Africa away with a thumping 276-run win, one of the biggest victories ever recorded in the format.
The series may have gone to South Africa 2–1, but the final word was written in bold by the Aussies.
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It was a complete show from start to finish- the batters piling up runs for fun, followed by bowlers who gave the Proteas no chance of survival.
And with this, Australia not only secured their second-biggest ODI win but also entered the list of the top 10 heaviest wins by runs in cricket history.
How did Australia beat South Africa in the Final ODI?
The game was dominated by the Australian top order, as Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh combined for an explosive 250-run stand for the opening wicket.
After Marsh fell, Cameron Green joined in and played one of the most explosive knocks seen in recent times. His century came off just 47 balls, the second-fastest ODI ton by an Aussie after Glenn Maxwell.
Australia finished with a mammoth 431/2 in 50 overs, their second-highest total in the format.
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In reply, South Africa never looked in the contest. Their chase collapsed early, and only Dewald Brevis showed some resistance with a quick 49.
Cooper Connolly’s left-arm spin proved lethal as he ended with a dream 5/22 and helped Australia seal the massive win.
This win is special because it was Australia’s largest ODI win at home and their second-biggest overall. Only their 309-run win against the Netherlands in Delhi during the 2023 World Cup sits above it.
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Top 10 biggest margins of wins in ODI by runs listed
Here’s a look at the Top 10 largest ODI wins by runs in cricket history:
| Winner | Margin | Target | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 317 runs | 391 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | 15 Jan 2023 |
| Australia | 309 runs | 400 | Netherlands | Delhi | 25 Oct 2023 |
| Zimbabwe | 304 runs | 409 | U.S.A. | Harare | 26 Jun 2023 |
| India | 302 runs | 358 | Sri Lanka | Wankhede | 2 Nov 2023 |
| New Zealand | 290 runs | 403 | Ireland | Aberdeen | 1 Jul 2008 |
| Australia | 276 runs | 432 | South Africa | Mackay | 24 Aug 2025 |
| Australia | 275 runs | 418 | Afghanistan | W.A.C.A | 4 Mar 2015 |
| South Africa | 272 runs | 400 | Zimbabwe | Benoni | 22 Oct 2010 |
| South Africa | 258 runs | 302 | Sri Lanka | Paarl | 11 Jan 2012 |
| India | 257 runs | 414 | Bermuda | Port of Spain | 19 Mar 2007 |
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