Aiden Markram’s dazzling 82 and Keshav Maharaj’s personal-best bowling guided South Africa to a comprehensive 98-run win over Australia in the opening One-Day International of the three-game series in Cairns on Tuesday. Markram was sent in to bat and opened in ODIs for the first time since 2021, hitting nine boundaries in an 81-ball innings that helped push South Africa to 296-8. Support came from captain Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) in adding to the score.
Australia Starts Strong, Then Spin Turns the Game
Australia’s openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head seemed to be in command, racing to 60-0 inside seven overs. But the game turned upside down once South Africa brought spin onto the pitch. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj generated massive turn, taking four wickets within his first 15 deliveries. He wrapped up remarkable figures of 5-33 in 10 overs as Australia collapsed to 198 all out in the 41st over.
“I just attempted to use the conditions and was lucky to get the rewards,” Maharaj said after the game.
Individual Performances and Turning Points
Marsh top-scored with 88 off 96 balls in Australia’s otherwise disappointing batting effort as it continues to adapt following the retirements of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell from ODI cricket. Marsh, who was leading the team in Pat Cummins’ absence, was impressed with Maharaj’s performance: “He’s a tremendous bowler and there was definitely a bit more spin about than we anticipated.
For South Africa, Markram was ready to register a fourth ODI century when he was caught behind by Ben Dwarshuis off the 24th over. Bavuma stabilized the innings after there was a slight wobble, while Breetzke, Stubbs, and Dewald Brevis gave some fleeting fireworks but got out cheaply. Brevis, in his ODI debut, smashed a first-ball six but was later out off Head.
Maharaj destroyed Australia’s middle and lower order, with Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey getting out to his spin. Maharaj finished the day with a flourish by getting Aaron Hardie out, achieving his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.
South Africa Bounces Back After T20 Defeat
The victory is a coming back strong by South Africa after their 2-1 loss in the just-concluded T20 series against Australia. The Proteas were not fazed by the missing of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was injured in his ankle.
The second ODI of the series will be held in Mackay, northern Queensland, on Friday.
