A commanding all-round performance from South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram’s explosive batting and Keshav Maharaj’s magical spin bowling, secured a comprehensive 98-run victory over Australia in the first ODI in Cairns. Sent in to bat, the Proteas posted a formidable total of 296-8, a score built on the foundation of Markram’s 82 from 81 balls. Captain Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) provided crucial support, setting a challenging target for a new-look Australian batting lineup.
Australia’s chase began ferociously, with openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head flattening the pace attack to race to 60-0 within seven overs. However, the match turned on its axis with the introduction of spin. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj conjured rampant turn, single-handedly dismantling the Australian middle order by taking four wickets in his first 15 deliveries. The collapse was sudden and severe, leaving the hosts reeling.
Maharaj was simply unplayable, finishing with career-best figures of 5-33 from his 10 overs. He clean-bowled Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, trapped Alex Carey lbw for a golden duck, and later claimed Aaron Hardie to secure his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. Mitchell Marsh played a lone hand with a resilient 88, but his effort was in vain as Australia was skittled for 198 in the 41st over.
The victory marks a strong bounce back for South Africa after their T20 series defeat and exposes the transition challenges for an Australian side missing recently retired veterans. The teams now move to Mackay for the second ODI on Friday, with the Proteas holding all the momentum.
