Strong half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma provided the perfect platform for South Africa to claim a crushing 98-run victory over Australia in the opening ODI. The pair’s efforts helped the Proteas post 8-296, a total their bowlers, led by the brilliant Keshav Maharaj (5-33), defended with ease.
Markram was in sublime touch, scoring 82 and sharing a 92-run opening stand that put Australia on the back foot from the start. After his departure, Bavuma anchored the innings with a steady 65, ensuring the momentum was not lost. Their contributions were vital in setting a target that proved to be well beyond Australia’s reach.
The Australian chase started promisingly at 0-60 but was derailed in spectacular fashion by a middle-order collapse. Maharaj was the architect, taking his first-ever five-wicket haul in ODIs during a mesmerizing spell. His control and variation were too much for the hosts, who lost six wickets for just 29 runs.
While Mitch Marsh played a captain’s knock of 88, he found no allies in the fight. The collective failure of the Australian batters against spin was the story of the day, as they were eventually bowled out for 198. The win gives South Africa a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series.