Markram and Maharaj Power South Africa to Crushing ODI Win Over Australia
South Africa got off to a dream start in the ODI series against Australia, delivering a dominant performance in Cairns that ended with a massive 98-run victory. This win came just days after losing the T20 series, and it showed how quickly fortunes can flip in cricket.
South Africa was sent in to bat, and Aiden Markram, opening in one-day internationals for the first time since 2021, seized the chance. He looked in complete control, striking nine crisp boundaries and posting a superb 82 from 81 deliveries. At the other end, skipper Temba Bavuma chipped in with 65, while Matthew Breetzke supported with 57. Together, they guided South Africa to a formidable 296 for 8, giving their bowlers a strong total to defend.
But the story of the day truly unfolded with the ball. Australia’s openers, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, came out firing. They blasted 60 runs in just seven overs, putting the South African pace attack under real pressure. For a moment, it looked as if the chase was well under control.
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Then came the turning point. Spin was introduced, and suddenly the entire game flipped on its head. Keshav Maharaj, the experienced left-arm spinner, stepped up and produced a spell that will be remembered for years. He ripped through Australia’s middle order, taking four wickets in his first 15 deliveries. Batsmen who seemed set just moments before were undone by the sharp turn and flight. He eventually finished with career-best figures of 5 for 33, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Australia collapsed from a strong position to being bundled out for 198 in the 41st over.
Marsh was the lone warrior for the hosts, battling with a gritty 88 from 96 balls. But with little support around him and the absence of experienced campaigners like Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, who have stepped away from ODI cricket, Australia’s batting looked fragile. Marsh himself admitted after the game that Maharaj bowled superbly and found more spin than expected.
For South Africa, the win was even sweeter considering the setback of losing fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to injury before the series began. It was a statement that they could still outplay Australia with both bat and ball. Markram, who looked set for a hundred before being caught behind, and Bavuma, who steadied the innings after a mini-collapse, set up the stage. But it was Maharaj who stole the spotlight.
Australia had their moments — Travis Head picked up four wickets with the ball and also chipped in with 27 runs before falling stumped — but they could not wrestle back momentum once the spinners came into play. Even Marnus Labuschagne’s return to the side was short-lived, falling for just one run.
The victory handed South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the teams set to meet again in Mackay on Friday. After this crushing result, all eyes will be on whether Australia can bounce back, or if South Africa can carry the momentum forward to seal the series.
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