It was the day a veteran spinner became a wrecker-in-chief, as Keshav Maharaj’s devastating spell of 5-33 guided South Africa to a 98-run victory over Australia. His performance single-handedly destroyed the Australian middle order and sealed the win.
Chasing 297, Australia’s innings was on a steady course at 0-60. However, Maharaj’s introduction changed everything. He ripped through the batting lineup, triggering a collapse that saw six wickets fall for just 29 runs in a chaotic period of play.
South Africa had earlier set a challenging target thanks to the efforts of their batsmen. Aiden Markram’s 82 and Temba Bavuma’s 65 were crucial in helping them post a formidable 8-296.
Mitch Marsh played a captain’s knock of 88, but he was left to watch as Maharaj dismantled his team. The Australian innings ended at 198, a testament to the destructive power of the South African spinner.