Highlights
Keshav Maharaj Shines as he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his ODI career in the Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI at Cairns. The left-arm spinner produced a brilliant spell of spin bowling, clinching his maiden five-wicket haul (5/33) in just 10 overs. His magical effort not only lit up the match but also powered South Africa to a commanding 98-run victory over Australia. Maharaj’s stunning display left cricket fans buzzing worldwide, as he dismantled Australia’s batting order with precision and control. This performance didn’t just secure the win; it also marked a historic milestone, firmly establishing Maharaj as one of South Africa’s most reliable match-winners.
Maharaj’s Magical Bowling Performance
Maharaj showcased why he is regarded as one of the finest spinners in modern-day cricket. He opened his wicket account in the 9th over, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, before rattling the stumps of Cameron Green in the very next over. His rhythm, control, and ability to outsmart batters were evident throughout the spell.
Adding to the pressure, Maharaj went on to dismiss Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie, leaving Australia reeling. What stood out was the accuracy with which he bowled – conceding just 33 runs in 10 overs while striking five crucial blows. His spell dismantled the Australian middle order and ensured that South Africa remained on top.
Joining an Elite Spin Legacy
Maharaj’s five-wicket haul puts him in an exclusive club. He became only the fourth off-spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in an ODI on Australian soil. This feat was previously achieved by cricketing greats:
- Ravi Shastri (India) – 5/15 vs Australia in Perth
- Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – 5/29 vs Australia in Adelaide (1996)
- Jimmy Adams (West Indies) – 5/37 vs Pakistan in Adelaide (1996)
By joining this elite list, Maharaj has proven his place among the world’s top-class spinners.
Keshav Maharaj’s ODI Career in Numbers
Since making his ODI debut against England in 2017, Maharaj has steadily evolved into a match-winner. In 49 ODIs, he has taken 63 wickets at an average of 30.46 and an economy rate of 4.57.
What makes this achievement even more special is that it was his first-ever five-wicket haul in ODIs. Against Australia, his record looks even better – 17 wickets in 10 ODIs at a superb average of 21.64.
South Africa Take Series Lead
South Africa’s batting unit set the tone earlier in the game, posting 296/8 in 50 overs. Aiden Markram (82), Temba Bavuma (65), and Matthew Breetzke (57) all chipped in with vital contributions.
In reply, Australia collapsed to 198 all out in 40.5 overs, thanks largely to Maharaj’s match-winning spell. This victory gave the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the series, boosting their confidence ahead of the upcoming matches.
On the Verge of a Historic Milestone
Maharaj is now just one wicket away from completing 300 international wickets. With 203 Test wickets, 63 ODI wickets, and 38 T20I wickets, he is set to become the first South African spinner to achieve this landmark.
If he reaches this milestone, he will also join the ranks of legendary South African bowlers like Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, Jacques Kallis, and Kagiso Rabada – all of whom have crossed the 300-wicket barrier.
Eyes on the T20 World Cup 2026
Despite being left out of the recent T20I series against Australia, Maharaj has his sights firmly set on the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. He expressed his determination to contribute to the national side and believes his recent ODI performance proves his value in big matches. His commitment and experience could make him a key weapon for South Africa in the years to come.
Conclusion
Keshav Maharaj’s heroics in the Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI highlight his class, resilience, and ability to deliver under pressure. His five-wicket haul not only powered South Africa to victory but also brought him closer to achieving a monumental career milestone. With the ODI series still alive and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Maharaj is ready to script more glorious chapters in his career.
FAQs – Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025
Q1. How many wickets did Keshav Maharaj take in the 1st ODI against Australia?
Keshav Maharaj picked up 5 wickets for just 33 runs in the first ODI at Cairns. This was his maiden five-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals.
Q2. Why is Keshav Maharaj’s performance against Australia so special?
Maharaj’s 5/33 not only helped South Africa beat Australia by 98 runs but also made him only the fourth off-spinner in the world to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI played in Australia.
Q3. Who were Keshav Maharaj’s key dismissals in this match?
He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie, breaking the backbone of Australia’s batting lineup.
Q4. What are Keshav Maharaj’s overall ODI stats?
Since his debut in 2017, Maharaj has played 49 ODIs, taking 63 wickets at an average of 30.46 and an economy of 4.57. This was his first-ever five-wicket haul in the format.
Q5. How many wickets does Keshav Maharaj have in international cricket?
Currently, Maharaj has 299 international wickets: 203 in Tests, 63 in ODIs, and 38 in T20Is. He is just one wicket away from reaching the 300-mark.
Q6. How did South Africa perform in the 1st ODI against Australia?
South Africa posted 296/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Aiden Markram (82), Temba Bavuma (65), and Matthew Breetzke (57). They bowled out Australia for 198, winning the match by 98 runs.
Q7. Has any other South African spinner taken 300 international wickets?
No, Keshav Maharaj is on the verge of becoming the first South African spinner to achieve 300 international wickets across all formats.
Q8. What is Maharaj’s aim regarding the T20 World Cup?
Despite being left out of the recent T20 series against Australia, Maharaj has stated that he is determined to make a strong comeback and represent South Africa in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Q9. How does South Africa’s ODI record against Australia look?
Out of 110 ODIs played between the two sides, South Africa has won 55, while Australia has won 51, making their rivalry one of the most competitive in world cricket.
Q10. Who else has taken a five-wicket haul in an ODI in Australia as a spinner?
Apart from Keshav Maharaj, only Ravi Shastri (India), Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan), and Jimmy Adams (West Indies) have taken five-wicket hauls as spinners in ODIs on Australian soil.