In a blistering and historic display of power-hitting, Cameron Green stole the show in the third ODI against South Africa at Mackay, smashing a record-breaking maiden century that propelled Australia to a monumental total. While openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh had already set the stage with a massive 250-run partnership, it was Green’s late-innings carnage that etched his name into the record books and left the South African bowlers in complete disarray. His aggressive and fearless approach turned a strong total into a nearly unassailable one, showcasing his potential as a future star of Australian cricket.

The carnage begins for Australia: Cameron Green’s arrival at the crease

Green walked to the crease with the score at 250/1 and immediately took charge. While his more senior teammates had laid the foundation, Green’s role was to accelerate the scoring rate and put the South African attack to the sword. He started his innings with a measured approach, getting his eye in with a few singles and twos, but it didn’t take long for him to unleash a flurry of boundaries. He found a perfect partner in Alex Careyand together, they built a blistering 164-run partnership for the third wicket. Green’s onslaught was relentless, as he targeted both pace and spin with equal disdain. He cleared the boundary with a stunning array of shots, including eight sixes and six fours, as the South African bowlers wilted under the pressure.

A record-breaking ODI century and a defining knock against South Africa

Green’s maiden ODI century was not just a milestone; it was a record-breaking effort that highlighted his immense talent. He reached his hundred in just 47 balls, making it the second-fastest ODI century by an Australian in men’s cricket history. Only Glenn Maxwell‘s incredible 40-ball century against the Netherlands is faster. The speed of his scoring was a direct contrast to Australia’s previous struggles in the series and was a massive confidence booster for the team. Green’s final score of an unbeaten 118 off just 55 deliveries was a career-best knock and a defining moment in his career. It wasn’t just about the runs but the manner in which they were scored, with a strike rate of over 214 that demonstrated his explosive potential. His partnership with Carey, who also finished with a half-century, helped push Australia’s total to an incredible 431/2the second-highest total in the nation’s ODI history.

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