In an ODI series opener missing the pace spearheads of both teams, Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins, it was the spinners who stole the limelight and ultimately decided the contest. South Africa, coping better with Rabada’s absence, stormed to a 98-run victory on the back of Keshav Maharaj’s brilliance.
South Africa was dealt a blow before the match, with Rabada ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury. Australia, meanwhile, had rested their captain, Cummins. This lack of top-tier pace at either end created an opportunity for other bowlers to step up.
It was the spinners who seized this opportunity. First, Australia’s part-timer Travis Head claimed 4-57. But his efforts were completely overshadowed by Maharaj, who delivered a match-winning spell of 5-33, proving that pace was not the only path to success in Cairns.
The match demonstrated the depth of South Africa’s attack, as they adapted to the loss of their main weapon. Australia, in contrast, seemed to miss Cummins’ leadership and control, crumbling to 198 all out in a game surprisingly dominated by the turning ball.
