Markram and Bavuma steer Proteas to record total in Cairns at lunch of first ODI
Proteas senior batters Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma led from the front as South Africa posted 296/8, setting a new ODI record total at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns.
In the build-up to the series, head coach Shukri Conrad suggested that Markram, despite enduring a quiet T20I campaign down under, was poised to rediscover his touch. The 30-year-old responded in style on Tuesday, crafting a fluent 82 from 81 deliveries, striking nine fours in a confident display.
Captain Bavuma, making his return to international cricket after a hamstring during June's ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's, eased his way back with a composed half-century. He compiled 65 from 74 balls, including five fours, marking his eighth fifty in the format.

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TimesLIVE
15 minutes ago
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Proteas' Maharaj claims maiden 'five-for' to make a mess of Australia's batting
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The Citizen
2 hours ago
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Destructive spinner Maharaj leads Proteas to crushing win over Australia
Playing his 49th ODI, Maharaj returned career-best figures of 5/33. An incredible spell by spin bowler Keshav Maharaj snatched the game away from Australia on Tuesday, as the Proteas secured a commanding 98-run victory in the first fixture of their three-match ODI series in Cairns. Set a target of 297 runs to win, Australia got off to a decent start in their chase, with Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh sharing 60 runs for the first wicket. However, Head was removed for 27 runs in the eighth over, stumped by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton as spinner Prenelan Subrayen took his first ODI wicket on debut. And once the partnership was broken, experienced slow bowler Maharaj ripped through the rest of Australia's top order, with the hosts losing their next five wickets for just 26 runs as they were left scrambling at 89/6. Marsh stuck his heels in at the crease, sharing 71 runs with Ben Dwarshuis (33 off 52) for the seventh wicket before Dwarshuis was removed by Nandre Burger, with Dewald Brevis holding onto the catch at midwicket. That scalp signalled the beginning of the end for the hosts as Marsh (who hit 88 off 96) fell four overs later, and Australia were ultimately bowled out for 198 runs in the 41st over of their innings. Playing his 49th ODI, Maharaj returned career-best figures of 5/33, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the 50-over format at international level. Proteas innings Earlier, after being sent in to bat, South Africa were well anchored, ultimately reaching 296/8 in their innings. The top order combined well, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton combing in a 91-run stand for the first wicket. After Rickelton fell for 33 runs in the 17th over, Markram (82 off 81), captain Temba Bavuma (65 off 74) and Matthew Breetzke (57 off 56) all contributed half-centuries, laying the foundation of an impressive all-round performance by the SA team. Spinner Travis Head, who took 4/57, was the best of Australia's bowlers. With South Africa having taken a 1-0 series lead, the second of three ODI matches will be contested in Mackay on Friday.

IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Markram and Bavuma steer Proteas to record total in Cairns at lunch of first ODI
South Africa's senior batters Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, pictured, led from the front as the Proteas posted 296 for eight, the highest ODI total at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, against Australia. Photo: AFP Proteas senior batters Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma led from the front as South Africa posted 296/8, setting a new ODI record total at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. In the build-up to the series, head coach Shukri Conrad suggested that Markram, despite enduring a quiet T20I campaign down under, was poised to rediscover his touch. The 30-year-old responded in style on Tuesday, crafting a fluent 82 from 81 deliveries, striking nine fours in a confident display. Captain Bavuma, making his return to international cricket after a hamstring during June's ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's, eased his way back with a composed half-century. He compiled 65 from 74 balls, including five fours, marking his eighth fifty in the format.