Maharaj’s Record-Breaking Spell Seals Famous SA Win

A record-breaking spell from Keshav Maharaj sealed a famous 98-run victory for South Africa over Australia in the opening ODI. The spinner’s 5-33 were the fourth-best figures by a South African in Australia, a performance that single-handedly decided the contest.
The game was turned on its head when Maharaj entered the attack. With Australia coasting at 0-60 in their chase of 297, he proceeded to deliver a devastating spell that saw the hosts lose six wickets for 29 runs, ending any realistic hope of an Australian win.
South Africa had earlier posted a strong total of 8-296, thanks to the batting exploits of Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65). Their efforts ensured the Proteas had a formidable score to defend, even without their injured star bowler, Kagiso Rabada.
Australian captain Mitch Marsh played a lone hand with 88, but he was powerless to stop the slide. The rest of the batting lineup had no answers to Maharaj’s skill, and they were eventually bowled out for 198.