Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh etched their names in the record books on Sunday, August 24, with a stunning 250-run opening partnership against South Africa in ODIs — the first time an Australian pair has achieved this feat against the Proteas. Their partnership surpassed the 170-run stand between Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist in 2002 in Durban.
Head and Marsh Shine
Head was in imperious form, smashing 142 off 103 balls, while Marsh complemented him with a century off 106 deliveries. Their stand marked Australia’s first 100+ opening partnership since the 2023 World Cup.
Captain Marsh, who won the toss and opted to bat, saw his opening duo give Australia an aggressive start, reaching 86/0 after the 10-over powerplay.
Historical Context
In the 2002 Durban ODI, South Africa had posted 267/6, powered by a half-century from Jonty Rhodes. Hayden and Gilchrist then stitched a 170-run partnership in the chase, helping Australia secure an eight-wicket victory.
Dominant Performances
Head raced to his half-century in just 32 balls, effortlessly dispatching boundaries, while Marsh hit two towering sixes off South Africa’s new-ball bowlers Kwena Maphaka and Wiaan Mulder.
Head reached his seventh ODI century, punctuated by 17 boundaries and 5 sixes, before falling to Keshav Maharaj, caught in the deep by Dewald Brevis. Marsh soon followed, dismissed on the next delivery by Ryan Rickelton.
Records Broken
Beyond the partnership milestone, Head also equalled Sourav Ganguly’s record for being part of the most 250+ partnerships in ODIs, with three such stands in his career.
The duo’s explosive display not only helped Australia dominate the game but also cemented their place in ODI history with one of the most memorable opening stands against South Africa.
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