Australia’s middle order was thrown into mayhem by the magical spin of Keshav Maharaj, leading to a crushing 98-run defeat at the hands of South Africa. The Proteas spinner’s 5-33 sparked a collapse that saw the hosts’ chase of 297 end in disarray.
The game’s pivotal moment came after a 60-run opening stand for Australia. What followed was a procession of wickets, with none of the middle-order batters reaching double figures. Maharaj was the tormentor, bowling with precision to claim the best figures of his ODI career.
South Africa had earlier batted with intelligence to post 8-296. The innings was anchored by half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (65), who absorbed pressure and laid a solid foundation for their team’s competitive total.
Captain Mitch Marsh was the only Australian to stand firm, scoring a defiant 88. However, his dismissal signaled the end of any resistance, as the team was eventually bowled out for 198, well short of the victory target.
Middle-Order Mayhem: Maharaj’s Magic Sinks Australia
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