Right then, that’s the end of the series, with South Africa sealing a fifth straight ODI series win over Australia, though the hosts salvaged pride with a strong showing in the final match. Now, Temba Bavuma has been handed over the trophy, and he lifts it alongside his jubilant teammates as they pose behind the ‘Winners’ banner. Australia now have a good break before heading to New Zealand for a three-match T20I series starting October 1, while South Africa will soon turn their focus to a three-match ODI series in England, beginning September 2, before taking them on in a three-match T20I series as well. We’ll be with you for the build-up to every game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mitchell Marsh, the victorious skipper of Australia, says that it was a crazy day. Adds that it was a complete performance but shame it came a bit late. Credits South Africa for the way they played in the first couple of games. Mentions that this game was all about coming and winning, as it is not a great feeling to be clean-swept, especially at home. Says that it is a pleasure to watch Head bat like that from the other end, and Green was outstanding as well. Tells that it was the first fifer for Cooper, and he was very happy, and it is great to see players come in and perform like that. Ends by saying there were plenty of positives.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, says that Australia put them under the pump right from the start and admits that they were far better than his side on the day. Feels that it is a big learning curve for them as a side. Reckons that finding the balance between risk and reward is important. Believes that they are still not close to being at their best and need to keep learning from their mistakes.

Keshav Maharaj is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES. He says it is wonderful to have the trophy and nice to put it as a memento back at home. He feels fortunate enough to get a good spell under his belt and reckons that he contributed in the other two games as well. Mentions that he wanted to sign off on a high, but lauds the Aussies, saying they played exceptionally well. He says time actually goes by so quickly, and when he looks at it, he feels really grateful when all the hard work pays off. He adds that the wicket was flat but credits the Aussie batters. He ends by saying that they will try to improve in the games to come.

Travis Head is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his scintillating knock of 142 runs from 103 balls. Mentions that it was nice to play at Darwin, Cairns, and then here at Mackay and loved the support from the crowd. Adds that it is good to get some momentum going into the break. Shares that he batted with a good tempo and got a start, which is always important. Believes that he and Mitchell Marsh play off each other really well. Admits that he surprised himself with the way he played.

Presentation Time...

If Australia’s batting was outstanding, their bowling was even better. Under the lights, the ball offered just enough, and the Aussie pacers pounced on it - Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott striking twice each inside the first 10 overs to put South Africa on the back foot. With a massive total behind them, the bowlers had the freedom to attack, and Cooper Connolly stole the show with a sensational spell, ripping through the middle and lower order to claim his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Adam Zampa then chipped in to finish things off, sealing a dominant win for the hosts..

Earlier in the game, after choosing to bat first, Australia produced a batting carnage, racking up their second-highest ODI total and missing out on what would have been their all-time best by just four runs. Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Cameron Green were in a league of their own with brilliant centuries, while the opening stand of 250 runs left South Africa shell-shocked. Alex Carey added the finishing flourish with a quick unbeaten fifty to keep the momentum rolling. For the Proteas, it was a forgettable outing with the ball - Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy picked up a wicket apiece, and Corbin Bosch was tidy in his spell, but otherwise they were left with very little to cheer about.

Chasing over 400 was always going to be a mountain to climb, and South Africa’s openers crumbled under the pressure, falling cheaply in no time. Temba Bavuma tried to counter with a few attacking shots, but his stay was short-lived, and Tristan Stubbs followed soon after, leaving the hosts tottering at 50/4. Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis offered brief resistance with a 57-run stand, but with the required rate soaring, they had no choice but to take risks - both perished in the attempt, with Brevis agonizingly close to a half-century. From there, the innings unravelled completely, and what looked like damage control at 124/5 turned into a full-blown collapse as they folded for just 155, losing this game by a massive margin of 276 runs.

Australia avoid the clean sweep in style with their most dominant performance of the series! While South Africa had already wrapped up the series, the Aussies finally found their rhythm, delivering a complete performance that gave their fans plenty to celebrate. It was the response they desperately needed, and the team will take heart from the way the players stepped up in this one.

Kwena Maphaka is the last man in.