Although the Australians lost the ODI series 2-1 against South Africa. But the hosts staged a remarkable comeback to end the series on a positive note and won the final ODI. Batting first, the hosts put on a massive 431-2 riding on the back of knocks by Travis Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100), and Cameron Green (118*). With the help of appreciable movement in the air and off the surface, Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott didn’t let the South African top order settle on the pitch, resulting in the guests reeling at 50-4 in the first ten overs.
A commanding performance was delivered by the 22-year-old left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly, who further ran through the South African batting order in Mackay on Sunday, August 24, 2025. In the match Connolly became the youngest Australian to register a five-for in Men’s ODIs.
Let's take a look at the three youngest Australian players who took five wickets haul in an innings in Men's ODIs:
1. Cooper Connolly’s record-breaking spell of 5/22 (22 years, 2 days)
At just 22 years and 2 days, the left-arm orthodox spinner Cooper Connolly became the youngest Australian to claim an ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/22 in six overs against South Africa. His spell was the cornerstone of Australia’s colossal 276-run victory, denying the Proteas a series sweep and handing them their heaviest ODI defeat ever (by runs). Introduced in the 11th over, Connolly struck with his third ball, dismissing Tony de Zorzi, caught by Alex Carey off a half-tracker. He then denied Dewald Brevis a half-century, inducing a catch to Cameron Green at deep midwicket. Wiaan Mulder fell to a diving catch by Marnus Labuschagne, followed by Corbin Bosch, also caught by Labuschagne. Connolly sealed his maiden fifer by stumping Keshav Maharaj.
2. Craig McDermott’s breakthrough in Lahore, 1987 (22 Years, 204 days)
On October 14, 1987, during the Cricket World Cup, 22 years and 204 days old Craig McDermott became the youngest Australian at the time to achieve an ODI five-wicket haul. The group stage clash against Pakistan, saw Australia defend 276 runs with McDermott’s spell triggering a dramatic collapse. Pakistan’s chase was steady at 177/4, with Saleem Malik and Imran Khan at the crease. McDermott turned the game with his relentless pace and swing. He dismissed Malik, followed by Ijaz Ahmed and Manzoor Elahi in quick succession. His final two wickets, including Wasim Akram, came in the 49th over, restricting Pakistan to 249 and securing an 18-run victory. McDermott’s figures earned him the Player of the Match award, his record as the youngest Australian with an ODI five-for stood for 25 years.
3. Mitchell Starc’s Sharjah Masterclass, 2012 (22 Years, 211 days)
On August 28, 2012, in Sharjah, at 22 years and 211 days, joined the elite list with a devastating 5/42 against Pakistan in the second ODI of a three-match series. The left-arm pacer’s spell was instrumental in Australia’s four-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1. Starc’s performance, marked by searing pace and late swing, dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. Pakistan, batting first, struggled against Starc’s early breakthroughs. He dismissed Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali in quick succession, exploiting the new ball’s movement. Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal offered resistance, but Starc returned to dismiss both, breaking the backbone of Pakistan’s middle order. His fifth wicket, that of Saeed Ajmal, capped a clinical performance, bowling Pakistan out for 198. Australia chased the target in 44.4 overs, with Michael Clarke and Glenn Maxwell steering the innings. Starc’s spell was a precursor to his starring role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph, where he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
