South Africa won by 98 runs against Australia in the first One-Day International (ODI) in Cairns.
South Africa bounced back in emphatic fashion as Keshav Maharaj’s stunning 5 for 33 dismantled Australia for just 198 runs, sealing a commanding victory in the first ODI at Cairns. After losing the preceding T20I series, the Proteas made a strong comeback to stay alive in their Australia Tour 2025, with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke also playing pivotal roles in the win.
Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh elected to bowl first, offering South Africa the chance to set a total. The visitors responded brilliantly through a fluent opening partnership of 92 runs between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton was dismissed for 33 by Travis Head, while Markram looked set for his fourth ODI century before falling for 82 to Ben Dwarshuis, just 18 runs short of the landmark.
The momentum was maintained by skipper Temba Bavuma and debutant Matthew Breetzke, who also combined for another 92-run stand, keeping the scoring rate healthy. However, Australia clawed their way back through Travis Head, who picked up three wickets and was also involved in the run-out of debutant Prenelan Subrayen. Rising star Dewald Brevis, fresh from his explosive T20I performances, couldn’t replicate his form and managed only a brief stay at the crease in his maiden ODI appearance.
South Africa’s innings was given a late flourish by Wiaan Mulder, whose unbeaten cameo of 31 lifted the Proteas to a competitive 296 all out.
Chasing 297, Australia struggled against the guile of Maharaj. Apart from captain Mitchell Marsh, who fought valiantly with 88 off 96 balls, the rest of the batting order faltered. No other batter crossed Dwarshuis’ 33, as the left-arm spinner ran riot with his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts bundled out for 198.
Speaking after the match, Maharaj expressed his hunger to keep improving despite being 35 years old. Quoted by ESPNcricinfo, he said:
“There’s a lot more I want to learn and achieve, especially with the team. Hopefully, I can keep raising the bar for spinners coming through in our system. Even though I’m 35, I believe in my journey. The day I stop learning is the day I walk away. I like to think I’m a scholar of the game, always observing and learning—even from the younger generation.”
The victory not only gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but also restores confidence after a disappointing T20I campaign. Both sides will meet again in the second ODI at Mackay on August 22, 2025, with Australia seeking redemption and the Proteas eyeing a series win.