Proteas Triumph in Cairns as Australian Batting Disintegrates

South Africa has triumphed in the opening ODI in Cairns, securing a 98-run win as the Australian batting lineup disintegrated in the face of a masterful spin-bowling performance. Keshav Maharaj was the star, with his career-best 5-33 sealing the deal for the tourists.
Chasing 297, Australia’s innings fell apart after a promising 60-run start. The introduction of Maharaj proved to be a masterstroke, as he scythed through the middle order, sparking a collapse that saw six wickets tumble for just 29 runs.
The Proteas had earlier batted with poise and purpose to reach 8-296. Aiden Markram’s fluent 82 and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 65 were the cornerstones of their innings, ensuring they posted a total that would be difficult to chase under the lights.
Mitch Marsh stood defiant with a knock of 88, but he was a lone warrior in a losing battle. The collective failure of the Australian batters resulted in them being bowled out for 198, handing a well-deserved victory to South Africa.