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The third and final ODI between Australia and South Africa at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay was supposed to be about cricketing fireworks — and there were plenty. Records were shattered, centuries flowed, and Australia flexed its batting might. But amid all that, it wasn’t a Travis Head ton or a Cameron Green masterclass that truly went viral. Instead, the spotlight drifted into the stands, where one mischievous spectator delivered a comedy act that had commentators chuckling and fans across the world laughing along.
It all began in the 11th over of South Africa’s chase. Dewald Brevis, already in full swing, sent Xavier Bartlett soaring for consecutive sixes. One of those rockets cleared the rope at long-leg with ease, crashing into the crowd. That’s when the script flipped. A young spectator seized his moment — quite literally — by grabbing the ball and kicking off what can only be described as “The Great Ball Heist.”
Spectator’s comedy masterclass following Dewald Brevis’ massive six against Xavier Bartlett
At first, the youngster played it straight, sprinting away with the ball like a thief in broad daylight. Cameras zoomed in as he clutched his prize, pretending as though he’d make a daring escape from the stadium. Then, with perfect timing, he switched gears. Tucking the ball under his shirt like a priceless artifact, he pulled off a cheeky magic-trick act.
The real punchline came when he wound up for a big throw back to the field — only to fake it. The exaggerated motion even fooled the cameras and left the crowd gasping for a split second. Had he really tossed it back? Not quite. Only after milking every ounce of drama did he finally return the ball to play, leaving everyone in stitches. Within minutes, his antics had lit up social media, proving yet again that cricket’s funniest moments often come from the stands.
Here’s the video:
Dewald Brevis blasted this one way out of the ground, but how about the young man's reaction at the end? #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/J7wIc0T1Xy
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025
Also READ: Top 3 youngest Australians with ODI five-wicket hauls ft. Cooper Connolly
Australia’s dominant win over South Africa in the third and final ODI
Lost in all the laughter was the fact that Brevis had been sensational with the bat. The 21-year-old lit up the powerplay with a rapid 49 off 28 balls, hammering two boundaries and five towering sixes. His fearless intent showed why he’s touted as one of South Africa’s brightest young stars. But once Green combined with Cooper Connolly to dismiss him, South Africa’s innings quickly unravelled.
The match itself was a one-sided spectacle. Australia, powered by centuries from Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100), and Green (118*), posted an enormous 431-2 — a record-breaking show of dominance. South Africa faltered in reply, crumbling to a 276-run defeat.
And yet, when fans look back, they may remember less about the runs and more about the laughs. A single prank from an anonymous spectator stole headlines, reminding us that cricket isn’t just about the numbers on the scoreboard — it’s also about the unpredictable magic of the people who watch it.
Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures by Australian spinners in ODIs ft. Cooper Connolly