South Africa Start Series with a Bang, Australia with a Whimper

South Africa has started its ODI series against Australia with a bang, recording a massive 98-run victory, while the hosts began with a whimper. A five-star performance from Keshav Maharaj highlighted a dominant day for the tourists in Cairns.
The match was decided by a catastrophic Australian batting failure. Chasing 297, they went from 0-60 to 6-89 in a disastrous passage of play. Maharaj was the architect, with his maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5-33) leaving the Australian innings in ruins.
The Proteas’ total of 8-296 was built on solid contributions from their top order. Aiden Markram scored a stylish 82, and Temba Bavuma added a crucial 65, ensuring their bowlers had a significant total to defend, a task they accomplished with ease.
Mitch Marsh was the only Australian to show any resistance, scoring 88. However, his efforts were in vain as he received no support from a middle order that failed to turn up, leading to a comprehensive defeat and a 1-0 series deficit.