Cameron Green breaks Matthew Hayden's 18-year-old record for fastest ODI century vs South Africa, helps Australia post their 2nd highest ODI score

In a run-fest at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, Australia posted 431/2, their second-highest ODI score. After openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh's centuries, it was Cameron Green who provided the final push with his maiden ODI century. Green recorded the second-fastest ODI century for Australia and the fastest-ever ODI ton against South Africa.

The previous-fastest ODI century against South Africa belonged to former Australia opener Matthew Hayden who took 66 deliveries to reach the milestone in the 2007 edition of 50-over World Cup.

The record for fastest ODI century by an Australia batter still belongs to Glenn Maxwell. Former Australia batter reached his century from just 40 balls against Netherlands in 2023 World Cup.

This is the first instance of three Australian batters scoring ODI centuries in a single game. South Africa have done it three times whereas England have achieved the feat once.

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3 centuries and one fifty in Australia’s innings

After Marsh won the toss and opted to bat first in the dead rubber, He and Head shared a 250-run opening partnership from 34.1 overs. Head hit five sixes and 17 fours in his 103-ball 142. Marsh scored 100 runs from 106 balls, including six fours and five sixes. Green remained unbeaten for 118 runs from just 55 balls. He hit six fours and eight sixes in his scintillating knock. Alex Carey reached his fifty from 37 balls. The left-handed batter hit seven fours in his knock.

Green and Head after record-breaking day with the bat

“I wasn't quite ready (to come in to bat). A couple of twos at the start got me going. The two openers (Marsh and Head) batted beautifully. It came off well today, doesn't always come off always. So really happy. We haven't played much one day cricket of late. Got an opportunity today, so it was nice. Hopefully the two openers keep doing that (scoring heavily) going forward. We couldn't get it right in the previous game, was nothing to do with batting first or second,” Green told the broadcasters during the innings break.

“Huge effort in the end, it was amazing. He (Carey) played well. I think it's a very good score. Nice going into the break. Was nice to get in with Mitch, was good to contribute. Had been a lean start (to start the series). He (Green) played exceptionally well, we worked well at the top. No, not ready to bowl 10 overs. Just a couple of overs will do,” Head said as he lauded his teammates.

Australia's highest ODI score is 434/4 which came against South Africa in 2006. South Africa chased down the total, registering the highest successful ODI run chase.