Proteas Out-think and Outplay Australia in Cairns

South Africa out-thought and outplayed Australia in all facets of the game to secure a comprehensive 98-run victory in the first ODI in Cairns. A strategic batting performance was followed by a masterful display of spin bowling.
The Proteas’ innings of 8-296 was a lesson in building a total. Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65) played with intelligence and skill, setting a target that would challenge Australia on a pitch that offered some turn.
The Australian chase was then systematically dismantled by Keshav Maharaj. His five-wicket haul (5-33) was the result of a well-executed plan to exploit the Australian middle order’s weakness against spin, leading to a collapse of 6-29.
Mitch Marsh’s 88 was a powerful but ultimately futile innings. The Australian team was outmaneuvered by a superior South African side, who now hold a well-deserved 1-0 series lead.