Travis Head produced a remarkable all-round performance, but it was South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj who stole the headlines, bowling his team to a resounding 98-run win over Australia in the first ODI. Head took four wickets and scored 27, but Maharaj’s stunning 5-33 orchestrated a collapse that saw Australia dismissed for 198.
The match in Cairns proved to be a spinner’s paradise. Head’s part-time off-spin was a revelation, as he claimed 4-57, including three wickets in a single over, to put the brakes on the South African innings. However, the Proteas still managed to post a formidable 8-296, thanks to half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65).
In the chase, Australia started strongly with Head and his opening partner putting on 60. But when Head was stumped off debutant Prenelan Subrayen, the innings unraveled. Maharaj then took over, delivering a masterful 10-over spell that bamboozled the Australian middle order and sealed the game for the tourists.
Captain Mitch Marsh fought a brave battle for his team, scoring 88, but he was left stranded as wickets tumbled around him. The collective failure of the middle order against spin will be a major concern for the Australian camp heading into the second match of the series.
Head’s All-Round Effort in Vain as Maharaj Steals the Show
