AUS vs SA 2025, 1st ODI Review: Top-order dominance, Maharaj 5-fer gives Proteas 1-0 lead

A solid display from the South African top-order and exceptional spell with the ball by ace spinner Keshav Maharaj spun a web around the Australian outfit, as the Proteas went 1-0 up with a win by a 98-run margin in the first ODI at the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. The game on Tuesday, August 19 had started with Australia captain Mitchell Marsh asking South Africa to bat first.

The tourist openers made full use of the field restrictions, hitting runs at a brisk rate, adding 92 runs for the first wicket, when Ryan Rickelton (33 off 43) had to depart. His partner's dismissal didn't down the confidence of Aiden Markram, who brought up his half-century in quick time. He continued to launch an assault, and neared his century, but felt marginally short as he was caught behind off Ben Dwarshuis for 82 off just 81 balls.

Bavuma returns and impresses

Skipper Temba Bavuma (65 off 74) and Matthew Breetzke (57 off 56) combined well for the third wicket, adding 92 runs, before the latter had to make the long walk back for a well-made fifty. Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis could not do a lot with the bat, as the Australians tried to pull things back, with Travis Head accounting for four wickets. Wiaan Mulder's cameo of 31 runs took South Africa to 296-8, the highest ODI score at the venue.

The Aussies got off to a thunderous start with the Head-Marsh duo going all guns blazing. However, debutant Prenalen Subrayen struck on the first ball of the seventh over to send Head back to the hut after an opening partnership of 60. From there, things didn't go easy for the hosts, as they fast lost half their side while adding just 15 more runs. 

Maharaj wreaks havoc

Keshav Maharaj ran through Australia's middle-order, getting the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne (1 off 6), Cameron Green (6 off 8), Alex Carey (0 off 1), Josh Inglis (5 off 9), and Aaron Hardie (4 off 10) to completely rattle the chase. Skipper Marsh held onto his end, and got a decent amount of support from Dwarshuis for the seventh wicket, where the duo combined to provide a 71-run stand. However, Dwarshuis was undone off a short delivery by Nandre Burger. 

Soon after, Burger also removed the biggest obstacle in the win, as the Aussie captain departed for 88 off 96, again off a short ball, with keeper Rickelton completed a simple catch behind the wickets. From there, a win had become a mere formality for Bavuma & Co. This is when Lungi Sani Ngidi came to the picture and drew curtains on the innings with the final two scalps, bundling Australia out for 198 in 40.5 overs.

Second ODI to be played on Friday

This win was important for South Africa, as they had lost the T20I leg of the tour by 2-1. A lead in the ODI series will give them the much-needed boost for the remainder part of the series. The teams will now be travelling to Mackay for the second match on Friday, as the Great Barrier Reef Arena is all set to host the do-or-die fixture for Australia.