In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, South Africa defeated Australia by 98 runs in the opening One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series in Cairns. Aiden Markram's impressive innings of 82 laid a solid foundation for South Africa, while Keshav Maharaj's career-best figures of 5-33 decimated Australia's batting lineup.

South Africa, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, posted a total of 296-8 in their 50 overs. Markram, opening for the first time in ODIs since 2021, struck nine boundaries in his 81-ball innings. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed a composed 65, and Matthew Breetzke added a brisk 57 to propel the Proteas to a competitive total. Travis Head was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 4-57.

Australia's chase began strongly, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head racing to 60-0 in the first seven overs. However, the introduction of spin changed the game. Debutant Prenelan Subrayen removed Head for 27, and Maharaj then took over, claiming four wickets in his first 15 balls. Maharaj finished with 5-33, his first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. Australia lost 6 wickets for just 29 runs during Maharaj's "devastating spell". He made the Australian batters "look amateurish".

Marsh played a lone hand for Australia, scoring 88 off 96 balls. Ben Dwarshuis contributed 33, but Australia were eventually bowled out for 198 in the 41st over. Maharaj was named player of the match for his outstanding performance. His figures were the fourth-best by a South African bowler in Australia in ODIs.

South Africa's victory was a strong response to their 2-1 defeat in the preceding Twenty20 International series. The win also marked South Africa's highest ODI total at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. Australia, on the other hand, suffered their heaviest home defeat in an ODI since 1991.

The second ODI will be played in Mackay on Friday.