A Day of Firsts and Bests as Maharaj Leads Proteas to Glory

It was a day of personal milestones as Keshav Maharaj’s career-best figures and first-ever ODI five-wicket haul led South Africa to a glorious 98-run victory over Australia. The spinner’s performance was the decisive factor in a match where the hosts collapsed spectacularly.
Maharaj’s figures of 5-33 are now the fourth-best by a South African in Australia, a testament to his skill. He was introduced with Australia at 0-60 and proceeded to orchestrate a collapse that saw them lose six wickets for 29 runs, completely changing the complexion of the game.
South Africa’s total of 8-296 was set up by their reliable top order. Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65) both played with distinction, laying a platform that allowed their team to post a winning score.
While Mitch Marsh (88) and Travis Head (4-57) had good individual days for Australia, they were overshadowed by the team’s collective failure with the bat. The inability to counter Maharaj’s spin led to them being bowled out for 198, well short of the target.