Cairns witnessed a dominant performance from South Africa as they outplayed Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series, securing a resounding 98-run win on Tuesday.
Batting first, South Africa set a competitive total of 296 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by top-order contributions. Aiden Markram led the charge with a fluent 82, skipper Temba Bavuma added a composed 65, and Matthew Breetzke chipped in with 57. Ryan Rickelton’s steady 33 ensured momentum through the early overs. For Australia, Travis Head was the standout bowler, taking 4 for 57, while Ben Dwarshuis picked up two wickets.
In reply, Australia struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling unit, particularly the spin of Keshav Maharaj. Despite Mitchell Marsh’s fighting 88, Australia collapsed to 198 all out in just 40.5 overs. Maharaj delivered a match-winning spell of 5 for 33, dismantling Australia’s middle order by removing Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi also chipped in with two wickets each.
From a strong 60 for 1, Australia’s innings nosedived to 89 for 6, losing five wickets for only 29 runs. Marsh’s counterattack briefly lifted hopes, but once he fell at 174, the chase quickly unraveled.
With this emphatic win, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series. The teams will meet again later this week in the second ODI, where Australia will look to bounce back
