A maiden ODI ‘fifer’ from veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj engineered a spectacular Australian collapse, paving the way for South Africa’s commanding 98-run victory in the first ODI. The hosts were skittled for 198 after looking comfortable in their chase of 297.
The game’s complexion changed dramatically after Australia’s 60-run opening stand. Maharaj was introduced and immediately began to wreak havoc, claiming 5-33 in a mesmerizing 10-over spell that saw the hosts lose 6 wickets for a mere 29 runs, effectively ending the contest.
South Africa’s imposing total of 8-296 was built on the back of solid half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65). Their partnership and resilience laid the platform for a total that gave their bowlers a significant buffer to work with.
Australian captain Mitch Marsh was the only batter to offer sustained resistance, scoring a fighting 88. However, with no support from the crumbling middle order, his efforts only delayed the inevitable, as the Proteas sealed a dominant win.
