South Africa proved to be far too strong for Mitch Marsh’s Australian side, securing a convincing 98-run win in the series-opening ODI. The victory was built on a solid batting performance and a sensational five-wicket haul from spinner Keshav Maharaj.
The Proteas, batting first, posted a challenging 8-296. Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65) were the standout performers, laying a platform that their bowlers capitalized on. The total was always going to be a tough ask for an Australian side missing key players.
The Australian reply began well but fell apart in spectacular fashion against the spin of Maharaj. The veteran left-armer finished with career-best figures of 5-33, as the hosts lost 6-29 in a disastrous mid-innings spell.
Captain Mitch Marsh played a lone hand with a superb 88, but he lacked any support. The rest of the batting order crumbled under the pressure, and Australia was eventually dismissed for 198, highlighting the gulf between the two teams on the day.
