SA vs AUS: Keshav Maharaj Guides SA To Win In 1st ODI

In the SA vs AUS ODI series opener at Cairns, Keshav Maharaj came up with a masterclass performance, taking his first five-wicket haul in ODIs to lead South Africa to a comprehensive 98-run win. Maharaj’s 5 for 33 shattered the foundations of Australia’s pursuit of 296, which started with hope but later disintegrated in spectacular fashion.

Australia romped to 60 without loss, but Maharaj’s spell sparked a collapse to 89 for 6, and the hosts had no return. Even a battling 88 from Mitchell Marsh could not save the visitors as they were bowled out for 198 in 40.5 overs.

Early Spin Warning Becomes Match-Turning Reality

Both captains anticipated spin would play a big role in this SA vs AUS encounter, and they were correct. Australia began with a fierce intent, hitting 50 runs from the first five overs, but their string was broken when Prenelan Subrayen took his first ODI wicket, having Travis Head caught for 27 off a masterfully disguised off-break.

That set the stage for Keshav Maharaj, who commanded the game from his first over. He bowled Marnus Labuschagne LBW with a ball that straight-skidded. And then there was a masterclass in restraint and variation as Maharaj sent packing:

Cameron Green, undone on the inside edge

Alex Carey, trapped sweeping

Aaron Hardie, bowled through the gate

Australia were in disarray at 89/6 by the end of the 17th over. Although Marsh and Ben Dwarshius (33 from 52) added a short 71-run partnership, it was too little, too late.

South Africa Posts Competitive 296 After Strong Top-Order Show

Earlier, South Africa laid the platform well with Aiden Markram upgraded to open with Ryan Rickelton. They shared 92 runs in 16.5 overs, though Rickelton (33) experienced a couple of anxious moments before being dismissed by Head.

Markram, though, appeared fluent, scoring his 13th ODI fifty off 54 balls and going on to make 82 off 81. His knock was replete with elegant off-side shots before he edged Dwarshius while going for a century.

Captain Temba Bavuma, who played his first innings after the WTC Final, contributed 65, while Matthew Breetzke made a rapid 57 in a 98-run third-wicket partnership.

While Australia tightened their grip for a moment through Head’s four-wicket haul (4 for 57), Wiaan Mulder’s late blitz (31 off 26) helped South Africa amass a solid 296/8 in 50 overs.

Australia’s Collapse: From Dominant Start to Disastrous Finish

Australia seemed to be on top early on but disintegrated once spin was introduced. Keshav Maharaj was the chief destroyer, employing flight, angle, and turn to outwit Australia’s middle order.

Even Mitchell Marsh’s 88 from 96 deliveries couldn’t get much support from the other end. After Maharaj discarded the main threats, the lower order collapsed, giving South Africa a convincing victory and a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.