Australia’s Cooper Connolly marked his arrival on the big stage with a record-breaking five-wicket haul as the hosts demolished South Africa by 276 runs in the third ODI at Mackay on Sunday. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner tore through the Proteas’ middle order, finishing with 5/22 in six overs. His haul made him the youngest Australian to claim an ODI five-for, surpassing Craig McDermott, who achieved the feat at 22 years and 204 days in 1987. Connolly’s spell featured decisive moments throughout the innings. He removed Tony de Zorzi with a half-tracker pulled straight to Alex Carey. Dewald Brevis, after a defiant 49, was denied his half-century when he picked out Cameron Green in the deep. Wiaan Mulder was next, falling to a diving catch by Marnus Labuschagne. Corbin Bosch too perished to Labuschagne, while Keshav Maharaj was stumped by Josh Inglis to seal Connolly’s maiden fifer. Australia had earlier piled up a towering 431/2 after choosing to bat. Openers Travis Head (142) and Mitchell Marsh (100) put on a 250-run stand, while Cameron Green added fireworks with a 47-ball century. Alex Carey chipped in with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. The blitz made Australia only the second side in ODI history to see their top three all score hundreds in the same innings. South Africa, chasing a mountain, crumbled to 155 all out. Wiaan Mulder endured a nightmare, conceding 93 runs from seven overs — one of the most expensive spells in ODI history for a bowler delivering six or more overs.
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While the Proteas had already secured the series ahead of this game, the day belonged to Connolly, who walked away with the ball raised high and a smile that matched his milestone.
