The story of Australia’s 98-run loss to South Africa can be told in one dramatic passage of play: from 0-60 to being all out for 198. A stunning collapse, orchestrated by spinner Keshav Maharaj (5-33), saw the hosts surrender the first ODI in spectacular fashion.
Chasing 297, Australia was in control. However, the dismissal of Travis Head opened the floodgates. Maharaj then delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, bowling his 10 overs unchanged to rip through the middle order and trigger a collapse of 6-29.
The Proteas’ total of 8-296 was a testament to their batting depth. Half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65) provided the backbone of the innings, while a late cameo from Wiaan Mulder (31*) added valuable runs at the death.
Mitch Marsh was the only Australian batter to emerge with any credit, scoring a defiant 88. But his individual brilliance could not paper over the cracks of a batting lineup that was completely outclassed on the day.