The Proteas have handed Australia a heavy defeat in the Cairns crush, winning the first ODI by a massive 98 runs. A career-best performance from spinner Keshav Maharaj was the highlight of a dominant display by the visiting side.
The match was all but over after a stunning Australian batting collapse. Chasing 297, the hosts went from a comfortable 0-60 to a disastrous 6-89. Maharaj was the architect of the destruction with his maiden ODI five-wicket haul of 5-33.
South Africa had earlier set up the victory with a strong batting performance. Aiden Markram’s 82 and Temba Bavuma’s 65 were the main contributions to their total of 8-296, which proved to be more than enough.
Mitch Marsh fought a lone hand with 88, but his efforts were in vain as he received no support from his teammates. The heavy defeat is a major setback for Australia at the start of their home season.