South Africa struck first in the ODI series against Australia, cruising to a 98-run victory in Cairns on Tuesday thanks to a superb all-round performance led by Aiden Markram with the bat and Keshav Maharaj with the ball.
Proteas Build a Strong Total Despite Mid-Order Stumble
Asked to bat, South Africa compiled 296 for 8, anchored by a fluent 82 from Markram at the top of the order. His 81-ball knock, laced with nine boundaries, set the tone early. Skipper Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) offered solid support, ensuring the innings didn’t unravel despite a brief collapse in the middle overs.
Markram looked set for three figures before falling to Ben Dwarshuis, while Bavuma steadied the ship with a composed half-century. Even with Australia’s Travis Head snaring 4-57, the visitors managed to push the score close to 300—enough to put pressure on a transitional Australian side missing experienced ODI campaigners Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell.
Marsh Fights, Maharaj Dominates
Australia’s chase began brightly. Mitchell Marsh blazed 88 off 96 balls, combining with Head (27) in a rapid 60-run opening stand inside the first seven overs. For a while, the home side seemed poised to make the chase competitive.
Then Maharaj changed the script. Introduced early, the left-arm spinner tore through Australia’s lineup with drift, turn, and control. He claimed four wickets in just 15 deliveries, derailing Australia’s momentum and finishing with a career-best 5 for 33. His victims included Alex Carey—out first ball—along with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, leaving Marsh stranded without support.
Australia eventually folded for 198 in 41 overs, with debutant Prenelan Subrayen also chipping in by stumping Head for 27.
South Africa Bounce Back from T20I Setback
The win was significant for the Proteas, who had lost the T20I series 2-1 the previous week. Despite missing injured strike bowler Kagiso Rabada, they showed depth in both departments—resilient batting upfront and ruthless spin in the middle overs.
With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the teams head to Mackay for the second ODI on Friday, where Australia will be desperate to level matters.
Match Summary:
- South Africa: 296-8 (Markram 82, Bavuma 65, Breetzke 57; Head 4-57)
- Australia: 198 (Marsh 88; Maharaj 5-33)
- Result: South Africa won by 98 runs
