A solid knock from Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Breetzke has powered South Africa to a competitive total against Australia. The Proteas went on to score 296 runs in the 50-over innings at Cairns.
Batting first, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton opened the innings while Josh Hazlewood opened the bowling attack.
The opener duo went on to score 56 runs in the powerplay and went on to score 92 runs for the first wicket.
With Head dismissing Rickelton for 33 runs, Markram went on to score 82 runs which included 9 fours, before walking back to dug out after lost his wicket to Dwarshuis.
With both Bavuma and Breetzke went on to smash fifties, Breetzke lost his wicket to Zampa for 57 runs while Stubbs and Dewald Brevis got dismissed cheaply for 0 and 6.
While Bavuma got dismissed by Dwarshuis for 65 runs, Maharaj and Mulder added 13 and 31* runs as South Africa scored 296 runs for 8 wickets.
🚨 Change of Innings 🚨
The Proteas have posted a well-structured total of 296/8 after 50 overs. A very well-balanced innings with contributions across the batting order. 💪🔥
All is set for this opening ODI as our bowlers get ready to defend this total. 🏏🇿🇦#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/rSpioVrADP
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 19, 2025
Travis Head went on to pick four wickets while Ben Dwarshuis went on to dismiss 2 wickets and Adam Zampa has 1 dismissal.
Australia will have to score 297 runs to claim victory in the first ODI game against South Africa. Australia secured a 2-1 victory in the T20I series and will be aiming to replicate the success in the ODI format also.
The second and third ODIs will be played on 22 and 24 at Great barrier Reef Arena.
