(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Markram, Maharaj Shine as South Africa Crush Australia in ODI Series Opener
Cairns, August 19 —
South Africa made a strong start to their three-match ODI series against Australia, securing a 98-run victory in the opener on Tuesday.
Batting first, Aiden Markram led the way with a fluent 82 off 81 balls, including nine boundaries, as the Proteas posted 296-8. He was well supported by skipper Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57), who kept the scoreboard moving despite a brief collapse in the middle order.
Australia began their chase in dominant fashion, with Mitchell Marsh (88) and Travis Head (27) powering the score to 60-0 inside seven overs. But the match turned dramatically once Keshav Maharaj entered the attack.
The left-arm spinner produced a dream spell, finishing with career-best figures of 5-33, dismantling Australia’s batting order. He claimed four wickets in his first 15 balls, including Marsh’s key wicket, and triggered a collapse that saw Australia bowled out for 198 in the 41st over.
Head, who also took 4-57 with the ball, looked dangerous with the bat until he was stumped, handing ODI debutant Prenelan Subrayen his maiden international wicket. But once Maharaj got into rhythm, Australia never recovered.
Australia, adjusting to life after the retirements of senior stars Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell from ODIs, struggled for partnerships. Marnus Labuschagne (1), Cameron Green (3), Josh Inglis (5), and Alex Carey (0) all fell cheaply in a disappointing batting display.
Speaking after the win, Maharaj said: “I just tried to utilise the conditions and was fortunate to get the rewards.”
The second ODI will be played in Mackay, Queensland, on Friday, with South Africa now leading the series 1-0.
