• Aiden Markram’s fluent 82 laid the foundation for South Africa’s imposing total of 296 against Australia in Cairns.

  • Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket masterclass dismantled Australia and powered the Proteas to a thumping 98-run win.

Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram steer South Africa to thumping win over Australia in the ODI series opener
Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram's heroics power South Africa to crushing win over Australia in ODI opener (Image source: X)

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South Africa produced a clinical all-round performance to dismantle Australia by 98 runs in the opening ODI at Cairns, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Aiden Markram’s assured knock at the top set the platform, before Keshav Maharaj weaved his magic with the ball to crush the hosts’ resistance.

Aiden Markram’s composure and Temba Bavuma’s class lift South Africa to a formidable 296

Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first, the Proteas built their innings on Markram’s fluent 82 from 81 balls, a knock laced with nine boundaries and impeccable timing. He shared a steady start with Ryan Rickelton (33) before skipper Temba Bavuma (65 off 74) added calm authority in the middle overs, ensuring South Africa capitalised on the foundation.

Late momentum came courtesy of Matthew Breetzke’s sprightly 57 and Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 31, pushing the visitors to 296/8. Travis Head’s 4/57 checked their surge beyond 320, but on a surface gripping for spin, the total was always imposing.

Also READ: AUS vs SA 2025: Markram, Bavuma and Breetzke power South Africa to a competitive total in first ODI

Keshav Maharaj’s fifer rattles Australia to seal a dominant victory

Australia’s reply began briskly, with Head (27) and captain Mitchell Marsh (88) racing to 60 in the opening seven overs. But the innings unravelled spectacularly once Maharaj entered the attack. The left-arm spinner bowled with guile and accuracy, dismantling the middle order with scalps of Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie.

His figures of 5/33 in 10 overs broke Australia’s spine, reducing them from 67/2 to 89/6. Marsh waged a lone battle with a counter-attacking 88, but his dismissal to Nandre Burger ended all hopes of revival. Despite Ben Dwarshuis’ fighting 33, Australia were bowled out for 198 in 40.5 overs.

Maharaj’s brilliance rightfully earned him Player of the Match award, while Markram’s innings provided the foundation for a dominant display. For South Africa, the emphatic victory highlighted their balance and depth, while Australia will need quick solutions to their spin struggles to stay alive in the series.

Also READ: AUS vs SA: Marnus Labuschagne’s stunning low grab sends Ryan Rickelton packing in the 1st ODI

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.