South Africa posted a competitive total of 296/8 in their allotted 50 overs against Australia in the 1st ODI of the 2025 series at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, on Tuesday. Skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram anchored the Proteas innings with responsible knocks, but late wickets prevented the visitors from crossing the 300-run mark.
Australia, having won the toss, opted to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface, and their decision was vindicated by Travis Head’s all-round brilliance.
South Africa’s Innings: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Missed Opportunities
South Africa’s innings had a solid foundation thanks to Ryan Rickelton (33 off 43) and Aiden Markram, who looked in sublime touch. Markram crafted a fluent 82 off 81 balls, laced with nine boundaries, providing much-needed stability in the top order.
Captain Temba Bavuma chipped in with a composed 74 off 84 balls, ensuring that South Africa kept the scoreboard ticking. Matthew Breetzke added further momentum with a brisk 57 off 56 deliveries, including seven fours and a six.
However, quick wickets in the middle overs derailed the Proteas’ rhythm. Tristan Stubbs departed for a duck, while young sensation Dewald Brevis managed just 6 runs, falling cheaply after attempting an aggressive shot.
Towards the end, Wiaan Mulder played a crucial cameo of 31 off 26 balls, while Keshav Maharaj (13) and Nandre Burger (1*) tried to push the total close to 300. South Africa eventually finished at 296/8, a score that gives them a fighting chance but might be slightly under-par considering their strong start.
Australia’s Bowling: Travis Head Makes the Difference
For Australia, it was a disciplined bowling performance led by Travis Head, who proved to be the surprise package with the ball. The part-time spinner bagged crucial wickets, including Brevis and Stubbs, to finish with figures of 4/57 in 9 overs.
Ben Dwarshuis chipped in with 2/53, while Adam Zampa claimed 1/58. Josh Hazlewood (0/36 in 8 overs) was miserly, keeping the scoring rate in check during the powerplays.
Partnerships that Defined the Innings
- Rickelton and Markram built a 92-run stand for the second wicket.
- Markram and Bavuma added 39 runs, stabilizing the innings.
- Breetzke and Bavuma stitched a crucial 92-run partnership, giving South Africa a strong platform at 223/3 in the 40th over.
However, the collapse that followed saw South Africa lose five wickets for just 63 runs in the final 10 overs, leaving them short of the 320+ total they seemed destined for.
The chase at Cazaly’s Stadium will test Australia’s batting depth against a disciplined South African bowling unit led by Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj. With dew expected under the lights, the Aussies may find batting slightly easier.
Fans can expect an exciting second innings as both sides look to seize early advantage in this three-match ODI series.
