Australia produced a scintillating and clinical display of ODI batting against South Africa in the final match of the series, despite having already conceded the set 2-0. Their top order—Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green—dominated proceedings, with all three registering centuries. The collective effort powered Australia to a mammoth total of 431/2, leaving the hosts stunned by the relentless assault.
Travis Head set the tone early with a rapid-fire knock, capitalizing on the powerplay to put the bowlers under immediate pressure. His aggressive intent gave Australia the momentum, while Mitchell Marsh played the anchor role. Marsh’s innings was more measured, his 100 coming off 106 balls, ensuring stability amid the carnage. Together, the duo laid a solid foundation for what was to come.
Cameron Green then unleashed a breathtaking display of power-hitting, hammering 118 runs off just 55 deliveries. His innings featured six boundaries and eight towering sixes, completely dismantling the South African attack. What made the knock even more dramatic was the fact that Green almost missed out on his century, escaping dismissal only thanks to the latest ICC playing condition changes introduced earlier this month.
The key moment arrived in the 47th over when Green, attempting to clear Wiaan Mulder at long-on, mistimed his shot. Dewald Brevis positioned himself perfectly under the ball but found himself too close to the boundary ropes. In his effort to avoid conceding a six, Brevis threw the ball into the air while stepping over the ropes, then acrobatically leapt back to parry it toward the field of play. At first glance, it appeared to be a moment of brilliance that both denied Green a six and saved vital runs for South Africa.
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However, under the revised ICC rules, Brevis’ effort was deemed invalid. The laws now state that a fielder’s last point of contact must be within the playing area before he touches the ball. Since Brevis had already stepped beyond the ropes before executing his parry, the delivery was ruled a six. That decision not only kept Green’s extraordinary innings alive but also underlined the significant impact of cricket’s evolving regulations on the modern game.