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Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI Live Score Updates from Cairns delivered everything cricket fans crave—momentum shifts, stunning individual performances, and a chase hanging in the balance. This highly anticipated clash marked the beginning of the three-match ODI series, and it didn’t disappoint. On a slow, spin-friendly surface at Cazaly’s Stadium, South Africa managed to post a competitive total of 296/8, thanks to half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82), Matthew Breetzke (57), and Temba Bavuma (65). For Australia, the chase to 297 looked tricky from the start, and despite captain Mitchell Marsh’s gritty half-century, it was Keshav Maharaj’s magical spell of 5/43 that kept South Africa ahead.
Australia vs South Africa: South Africa Build Solid Total on Slow Cairns Pitch
South Africa’s innings started cautiously, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton weathering the new ball attack of Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis. While Rickelton looked scratchy and survived a couple of close calls, Markram settled into a fluent rhythm. His knock of 82 off 81 balls included crisp drives and smart strike rotation, anchoring South Africa’s top order.
The real acceleration came when Matthew Breetzke joined Bavuma at the crease. Breetzke showcased fearless intent, smashing boundaries and a six, reaching a run-a-ball fifty before falling to a mistimed slog sweep. Bavuma, calm and composed, continued to rotate strike and brought up his fourth successive ODI half-century.
But the real twist came when Travis Head, Australia’s part-time spinner, ran through South Africa’s middle order. Head took 4/57, including the key wickets of Brevis, Stubbs, and Breetzke, halting South Africa’s late charge. Despite that, Wiaan Mulder’s cameo of 31 off 26 ensured South Africa finished strongly at 296/8, a score just short of the 320 they initially targeted but still formidable on this sluggish surface.
Australia’s Chase Derails Against Maharaj’s Spin Magic
Australia’s response was explosive early on. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh attacked the seamers, with Head smashing five boundaries off Nandre Burger in a single over. However, once Bavuma introduced his spinners, the game flipped.
Keshav Maharaj was the star, ripping through Australia’s middle order with a superb display of control and turn. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie, completing a memorable five-wicket haul. Every time Australia looked to rebuild, Maharaj struck again.
Mitchell Marsh fought a lone battle, bringing up his half-century and showing grit under pressure. Alongside Ben Dwarshuis, he tried to steady the innings with a 50-run partnership. But with wickets tumbling regularly, the target of 297 always looked like a mountain to climb.
Australia vs South Africa: A Glimpse Into the Future of Both Sides
This match carried added significance beyond just the scoreline. Australia entered the series without stalwarts Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, both of whom retired after the 2025 Champions Trophy. The absence of their experience showed, as the middle order struggled against spin. On the brighter side, Cameron Green’s return and the promising resilience of Marsh provided positives for Australia moving forward.
For South Africa, this game highlighted their depth. With Kagiso Rabada ruled out due to injury, younger players like Breetzke and Burger stepped up. Bavuma’s leadership and Maharaj’s brilliance further underlined how balanced this squad looks heading into future tours.
Australia vs South Africa: Conclusion
The Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI in Cairns was a cricketing spectacle that showcased thrilling individual performances and tactical brilliance. South Africa’s 296/8, powered by half-centuries from their top order, was defended successfully thanks to Keshav Maharaj’s match-winning five-wicket haul. Despite Mitchell Marsh’s fighting knock, Australia faltered under relentless spin pressure.
As the series progresses, fans can expect more nail-biting encounters between two sides transitioning into a new era of ODI cricket. If this opener is any indication, the battle between Australia and South Africa is set to keep cricket lovers glued to their screens.
FAQs – Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025
Q1. Who won the Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI in Cairns?
South Africa won the 1st ODI by restricting Australia during their chase of 297. Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul was the turning point of the match.
Q2. Who was the top scorer for South Africa in the 1st ODI?
Aiden Markram was the top scorer for South Africa with a brilliant 82 runs. Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) also played key roles.
Q3. Who was Australia’s standout performer in the match?
Mitchell Marsh was Australia’s best performer with the bat, scoring a fighting half-century. Travis Head also impressed with the ball, picking up 4 wickets.
Q4. Why didn’t Kagiso Rabada play in this match?
Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury, with scans confirming inflammation in his right ankle.
Q5. What are the key takeaways from this match for both teams?
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj’s spin and Bavuma’s leadership stood out, while Australia will need to address their middle-order struggles after the retirement of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell.