Australia went from a position of complete control to a shocking 98-run defeat in the opening ODI against South Africa, thanks to a calamitous batting collapse at Cazaly’s Stadium. Chasing 297, a comfortable start at 0-60 was erased in a disastrous spell that saw them lose 6-29, masterminded by spinner Keshav Maharaj.
The match turned on a dime. After the fall of Travis Head, Maharaj began his work. He bowled his 10 overs consecutively, proving impossible to handle. His figures of 5-33 are the fourth-best by a South African bowler in Australia and represent a new career-best, earning him the undisputed Player of the Match honors.
The Proteas’ total of 8-296 was built on the back of disciplined batting. Aiden Markram’s fluent 82 set the tone, and Temba Bavuma’s gritty 65 provided stability. Despite Travis Head’s unusual success with the ball (4-57), the visitors posted a score that gave their bowlers ample room to apply pressure.
Skipper Mitch Marsh was the lone survivor in the wreckage of Australia’s innings, scoring a defiant 88. His dismissal to Nandre Burger was the final nail in the coffin, as the tailenders quickly followed, with the team bowled out for 198. The nature of the defeat raises serious questions for the Australian middle order.