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The ODI series between Australia and South Africa began in Cairns with both teams eager to seize early momentum in the three-match battle. After opting to bowl first, Australia endured a frustrating start as Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton laid a strong platform for the visitors. But just as South Africa threatened to take full control, Marnus Labuschagne produced a moment of brilliance to provide the much-needed breakthrough.
Marnus Labuschagne’s sharp low catch ends Ryan Rickelton’s stay
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th over when Travis Head tempted Rickelton with a flighted delivery outside off. The left-hander advanced down the track but overbalanced, slicing his attempted lofted drive flat towards mid-off. Labuschagne, stationed inside the circle, reacted instinctively—diving low to his right and clutching a superb rolling catch. Rickelton departed for a well-made 33 off 43 balls, ending a 92-run stand that had set a confident tone for the Proteas.
Australia’s relief was evident as Labuschagne’s athletic effort cut short a flourishing partnership that had placed the bowlers firmly on the backfoot.
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South Africa push to a formidable total despite late stumbles against Australia
After Rickelton’s wicket, South Africa relied on Markram’s fluent strokeplay and skipper Temba Bavuma’s composure to consolidate. Markram brought up a brisk 82 off 81 balls, decorated with nine boundaries, while Bavuma kept the scoreboard ticking with a well-paced 65. Their partnership steadied the innings after the first dismissal, guiding South Africa past 150 by the 28th over.
Matthew Breetzke further lifted the tempo with an entertaining 57 from 56 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. However, a mini-collapse followed between the 40th and 41st overs as Stubbs (0) and young prodigy Dewald Brevis (6 off 2) fell cheaply to Head, leaving the Proteas momentarily vulnerable. Still, Bavuma’s presence ensured the innings avoided a complete derailment before his dismissal for 65 in the 46th over.
With cameos from Wiaan Mulder (31* off 26) and Keshav Maharaj (13 off 12), South Africa pushed to 290 at a run rate just under six. Their final tally of 296/8 set a competitive target, especially on the Cairns surface, which offered some grip for spinners as evidenced by Head’s three wickets.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis claimed two wickets while Adam Zampa and Head chipped in during the middle and death overs with 4-wickets. Yet, it was Labuschagne’s diving effort at mid-off that stood out as the fielding highlight of the innings, sparking Australia’s first breakthrough against a resolute South African top order.
