A 10-over masterpiece from Keshav Maharaj was the decisive factor in the opening ODI, as he bowled South Africa to a 98-run victory over Australia. The spinner’s unchanged spell yielded a career-best 5-33 and completely dismantled the Australian chase.
With Australia chasing 297 and cruising at 0-60, Maharaj was handed the ball and never looked back. He mesmerized the Australian middle order, sparking a collapse of 6-29 that put the Proteas on a clear path to victory.
The platform for his heroics was set by the South African batsmen. Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65) were the mainstays of their innings of 8-296, a total that gave Maharaj the license to attack.
Mitch Marsh was the only Australian to stand tall, scoring 88. However, his efforts were in vain as he was a victim of the pressure created by Maharaj’s superb spell. Australia was eventually all out for 198.
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