On August 19, 2025, South Africa secured a commanding 98-run victory over Australia in the first ODI of a three-match series at Cairns’ Cazaly’s Stadium. Aiden Markram’s 82 and Keshav Maharaj’s career-best 5-33 powered the Proteas to a 1-0 lead, overcoming the absence of injured pacer Kagiso Rabada.
Batting first, South Africa posted 296-8, led by Markram’s 81-ball 82, including nine boundaries. Opening for the first time since 2021, Markram fell short of a century, caught behind off Ben Dwarshuis (2-53). Captain Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) bolstered the innings, though a collapse saw three wickets fall for seven runs, including debutant Dewald Brevis (6) and Tristan Stubbs (0). Travis Head’s 4-57 kept Australia in the game.
Australia’s chase started strongly, with Mitchell Marsh (88) and Head (27) racing to 60-0 in seven overs. However, Maharaj’s introduction turned the match, as he claimed four wickets in his first 15 balls, finishing with 5-33. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (1), Cameron Green (3), Josh Inglis (5), Alex Carey (0), and Aaron Hardie (4). Debutant Prenelan Subrayen took Head’s wicket, and Australia were bowled out for 198 in 40.5 overs.
Dominant South Africa go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series 👏#AUSvSA 📝: https://t.co/QDaIezC4wg pic.twitter.com/ycGVwhqk7h
— ICC (@ICC) August 19, 2025Maharaj reflected, “I just tried to utilise the conditions and was fortunate to get the rewards.” Marsh admitted, “There was a little bit more spin than we expected.”
South Africa’s win follows a 2-1 T20 series loss to Australia. The absence of Rabada due to an ankle injury tested their depth, but Maharaj’s spin and Markram’s batting showcased their resilience. Australia, transitioning after Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell’s ODI retirements, struggled against spin, with Marsh’s 88 a lone highlight.
The second ODI is set for August 22 in Mackay, Queensland. South Africa aims to seal the series, while Australia will seek to counter spin and level the contest.
