Proteas senior batters Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma led from the front as South Africa posted 296/8, setting a new ODI record total at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.
In the build-up to the series, head coach Shukri Conrad suggested that Markram, despite enduring a quiet T20I campaign down under, was poised to rediscover his touch. The 30-year-old responded in style on Tuesday, crafting a fluent 82 from 81 deliveries, striking nine fours in a confident display.
Captain Bavuma, making his return to international cricket after a hamstring during June’s ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, eased his way back with a composed half-century. He compiled 65 from 74 balls, including five fours, marking his eighth fifty in the format.
Bavuma’s third-wicket partnership with Matthew Breetzke proved pivotal, the pair adding 92 runs to stabilise the innings. Breetzke, playing only his third ODI, made a valuable contribution of 57, his second half-century to go with the century he struck on debut against New Zealand earlier this year.
Together with Markram’s opening stand of 92 alongside Ryan Rickelton (33), the Proteas built a platform that ensured a challenging target for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Dewald Brevis’ ODI debut started in spectacular fashion as he smashed a six off of his first ball in the format. It was a short-lived appearance, however, as he was caught off of an Adam Zampa delivery the very next ball attempting another hefty strike.
Tristan Stubbs’ funk continued, the 25-year-old departing for a duck to Travis Head, who emerged as the most effective Australian bowler, finishing with 4/57 from his right-arm off-spin.
SCORE
South Africa: 296/8
Aiden Markram 82, Temba Bavuma 65; Travis Head 4/57
