Maharaj Spins Proteas to Glory as South Africa Crush Australia in Cairns

It was a night to remember in Cairns as South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup and sealing a commanding 98-run victory in the opening ODI of the three-match series.

A Masterclass from the Spin Maestro

At 35, Maharaj proved experience is priceless. The left-arm spinner finished with breathtaking figures of 5-33, claiming his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. His spell wasn’t just clinical—it was ruthless. Bowling unchanged for 10 overs, Maharaj ripped through Australia’s middle order, leaving the hosts stunned at 89-6 inside 17 overs.

The wickets weren’t lucky breaks either. Maharaj toyed with Australia’s batters, varying his pace just enough to force errors while keeping the stumps under constant threat. Three dismissals came clean bowled, two fell lbw. It was the kind of spell South African fans will talk about for years.

Proteas Fire with the Bat

Earlier, the Proteas laid down a solid platform with the bat. Aiden Markram led the charge with a run-a-ball 82, while captain Temba Bavuma chipped in with a steady 65. Young Matthew Breetzke added energy to the innings, smashing a lively 57 to push South Africa to 296-8.

On a pitch that was expected to favour seamers, the Proteas showed adaptability by building partnerships and setting a target just shy of 300—a total that looked challenging from the outset.

Aussie Resistance Fizzles

Australia began brightly, racing to 60 in the first seven overs through Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. But the momentum didn’t last. Debutant Prenelan Subrayen struck early, stumping Head for 26, before Maharaj’s spin storm swept through the middle order.

Marsh fought valiantly, scoring 88 off 96 balls, while Ben Dwarshuis offered lower-order resistance with 33. The pair stitched together a 71-run stand that briefly gave the home crowd hope. But once Nandre Burger returned to dismiss both batters in quick succession, the writing was on the wall. Lungi Ngidi mopped up the tail, finishing with 2-28.

Social Media Buzz

Cricket fans flooded social media with praise for Maharaj. “What a legend,” one fan wrote, while another compared his spell to some of the greats of South African spin history. Even Australian commentators admitted they had few answers for Maharaj’s precision and guile.

Looking Ahead

For the Proteas, this victory isn’t just about taking a 1-0 lead. It’s a statement of intent. With star paceman Kagiso Rabada sidelined, questions were raised about South Africa’s ability to trouble Australia in their own backyard. Maharaj’s performance silenced those doubts emphatically.

The second ODI in Mackay on Friday now offers South Africa the chance to seal the series, while Australia will be desperate to regroup and find answers to a resurgent Proteas side.

Source: Sabc Sport 

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