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Maharaj’s Five-Wicket Haul Powers South Africa to Dominant ODI Victory Over Australia
South Africa Claim 98-Run Win in Cairns ODI Opener
South Africa began their ODI series against Australia in emphatic fashion as left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a career-best performance to guide his side to a commanding 98-run victory in Cairns. Maharaj’s maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs (5/33) dismantled Australia’s batting line-up and turned what started as a promising chase into a complete collapse.
Australia, set a challenging target of 297, looked well-placed at 60 for no loss in just five overs. However, the introduction of spin quickly shifted the momentum. Within the next 12 overs, they were reeling at 89 for 6, leaving them with little chance of recovery despite a fighting effort from stand-in skipper Mitchell Marsh, who scored a gritty 88 off 96 balls.
Aiden Markram Anchors South Africa’s Innings
Markram, Bavuma, and Breetzke Set the Platform
Earlier, South Africa had posted a strong total of 296/8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort.
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Aiden Markram (82 off 81 balls) led from the front, showcasing fluent stroke play on both sides of the wicket.
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Temba Bavuma returned to the ODI setup with a composed 65, anchoring the innings with responsibility.
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Matthew Breetzke, playing a more aggressive role, contributed a brisk 57, ensuring South Africa maintained momentum in the middle overs.
Markram, who shared a 92-run opening stand with Ryan Rickelton, looked set for a century before falling to Ben Dwarshius. Bavuma and Breetzke then consolidated with a 98-run partnership for the third wicket, taking South Africa to a commanding position.
Australia found some respite when Travis Head struck with the ball, claiming 4/57, including the wickets of Tristan Stubbs and debutant Dewald Brevis in the same over. However, a late cameo from Wiaan Mulder (31 off 26 balls) ensured South Africa reached a competitive total that proved well beyond Australia’s reach.
Maharaj’s Spin Masterclass
Breaking Australia’s Backbone
Chasing 297, Australia started aggressively, smashing 50 runs in the first five overs. But once spinners entered the attack, the game shifted decisively in South Africa’s favor.
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Prenelan Subrayen drew first blood, dismissing Travis Head (27) for his maiden ODI wicket.
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Maharaj then produced a dream spell, striking with his very first ball to trap Marnus Labuschagne LBW.
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He followed it up with wickets of Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie, ripping through Australia’s middle order.
By the 17th over, Australia were six down, their chase in ruins. While Marsh added 71 runs with Ben Dwarshius (33 off 52) to delay the inevitable, Maharaj returned to complete his five-for, sealing a memorable victory for South Africa.
What This Win Means for South Africa
This result will give South Africa a significant boost as they build momentum ahead of future ODI assignments and the next global events. Maharaj’s dominance highlighted the importance of spin in Australian conditions, and South Africa’s balanced batting performance showed they can adapt across situations.
Australia, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, especially with their batting depth exposed once again. Marsh’s lone fightback aside, their inability to counter spin was a glaring weakness.
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