Bhubaneswar : South Africa produced a clinical all-round display to register a commanding 98-run win over Australia in the opening One-Day International at Cairns on Monday. The victory was built on solid batting contributions at the top and a spell of devastating spin bowling from Keshav Maharaj, who claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul.
Proteas Post Record Total At Cairns
Asked to bat first, South Africa piled up 296 for 8, the highest ODI score at Cazaly’s Stadium. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a composed 82, skipper Temba Bavuma added a fluent 65, while Matthew Breetzke struck 57 to give the visitors a strong platform. Their combined efforts ensured the Proteas set a challenging target on a surface expected to aid spin later in the evening.
Australia Collapse After Bright Start
Australia began their chase in aggressive fashion, racing to 60 without loss inside seven overs. But the introduction of spin completely changed the complexion of the game. Prenelan Subrayen removed Travis Head for 27 before Maharaj tore through the middle order. At one stage, the left-arm spinner had astonishing figures of 5 for 9, finishing with career-best numbers of 5 for 33.
Marsh Fights In Vain
Mitchell Marsh provided the only sustained resistance for Australia with a defiant 88 off 96 balls. He shared a 71-run stand with Ben Dwarshuis (33), but the mountain was too steep to climb after the early collapse. Once Marsh fell, the end was inevitable as the hosts folded for 198 in 40.5 overs.
Proteas Take Series Lead
The result handed South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and underlined their growing confidence in subcontinental-like conditions. Maharaj’s spell not only broke Australia’s backbone but also reinforced South Africa’s faith in their spin options ahead of future assignments.
Match Summary:
South Africa: 296/8 (50 overs) – Markram 82, Bavuma 65, Breetzke 57
Australia: 198 all out (40.5 overs) – Marsh 88; Maharaj 5/33
Result: South Africa won by 98 runs
Player of the Match: Keshav Maharaj
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