An unplayable spell of left-arm spin from Keshav Maharaj propelled South Africa to a convincing 98-run victory over Australia in the first ODI in Cairns. The veteran’s career-best 5-33 left the Australian batters bewildered and sealed a memorable win for the tourists.
Australia’s hopes of chasing down 297 were dashed in a dramatic mid-innings collapse. Cruising at 0-60, they lost their way completely against Maharaj, slumping to 6-89 in the space of just 55 deliveries. His control and deception were simply too good for the home side.
The Proteas had earlier posted a formidable 8-296, thanks to polished half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65). Their partnership and composure against the Australian attack laid the groundwork for a total that proved to be well beyond reach.
Despite a valiant 88 from captain Mitch Marsh, Australia’s batting lineup offered little else. The collective failure against spin was the key narrative of the innings, which ended meekly at 198, handing South Africa a well-deserved 1-0 series lead.
