Keshav Maharaj produced a career-defining performance to bowl South Africa to a crushing 98-run victory over Australia in the opening match of their ODI series. The veteran spinner was the architect of a dramatic Australian downfall, capturing 5-33 to ensure the Proteas comfortably defended their total of 8-296 in Cairns.
The match turned dramatically after Australia had progressed smoothly to 0-60. Debutant off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen made the initial breakthrough by dismissing Travis Head, before Maharaj took center stage. He ripped through the Australian middle order in a devastating spell, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts lose 6-29 and effectively end the contest.
South Africa’s innings was a model of consistency, with Aiden Markram scoring a fluent 82 and Temba Bavuma adding a patient 65. Their efforts set a perfect platform for the lower order, where Wiaan Mulder’s explosive 31 not out propelled the score towards 300. This came despite the unexpected challenge posed by Travis Head’s part-time off-spin, which yielded him four wickets.
In response, only captain Mitch Marsh offered any significant resistance for Australia. He played a lone hand with a powerful 88, but with wickets tumbling at the other end, the task proved too great. The Australian innings concluded at 198, leaving them to ponder a stunning defeat ahead of the second match in Mackay.