HIGHLIGHTS Australia vs South Africa, South Africa in Australia 3 ODI Series 2025, 1st ODI- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Australia's chase! Dew, or no dew, is the question. And how will that affect the bowling? We shall find that out sooner. Now then, the Proteas spread out of the huddle and take their spots on the field. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will open for 'Straya'. Nandre Burger has the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right. 297 is the magic number for Australia to maintain an unbeaten record at Cazaly's Stadium. But in chasing a total as challenging as this, or in any run chase for that matter, a good start with the bat is a non-negotiable, as chasing hasn't been THAT easy here. South Africa will be without the services of their premier pacer Kagiso Rabada and it will be interesting to see how they restrict this Australian side laden with power hitters. Spin has been effective and the likes of Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen could prove to be crucial. Stick around, as the run chase is on the other side very shortly.

Australia's Travis Head is up for a quick chat. He says that bowling 8-9 overs wasn't on the bingo for him, but after 4-5 overs, it felt good to bowl. Adds that he tried to get out of the hitting range of Dewald Brevis but he still tried to take him on and they've seen how destructive he can be in the T20s. Mentions that he and Mitch will look to maximize the Powerplay, especially with the wind playing a part but there might be some dew as we saw in the last T20I.

But despite that collapse, South Africa managed to score 73 runs in the last 10 overs on the back of pivotal lower order contributions. We all know that Wiaan Mulder can prove to be quite handy with the bat and he ensured that he stays till the end. His cameo of 31 off just 26 balls propelled the Saffas to 296. From an Australian bowling perspective, they used as many as seven bowlers, but the spinners proved to be more effective with Adam Zampa and Travis Head sharing 5 wickets between them. However, it was surprising to see Josh Hazlewood not bowling his full quota of ten overs, given how disciplined he was.

Australia tightened their lines and lengths in the middle overs, forcing the batters to take risks to keep the scoreboard moving. But wickets didn’t fall in clusters. South Africa kept building partnerships, with Breetzke and Bavuma steering the innings steadily. With the pitch offering grip and the spinners in control, Labuschagne was brought in as a third spin option to add more variety and keep the pressure on. But it was Travis Head who fished out to the big hitters, claiming a four-for. The big highlight of his bowling was him fishing out Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, just when the Proteas were about to motor in the final ten overs. With those quick fall of wickets, South Africa slipped from a comfortable 223/2 to 230/5.

As soon as the fielding restrictions were lifted, Marsh turned to spin. Zampa and Head bowled in tandem and started getting noticeable turn. The openers looked a bit hesitant, and a few false strokes crept in as the ball began to grip. Head eventually broke the 92-run stand. Even though the spinners were tricky, the pacers became easier to handle, especially as the ball softened up, making strokeplay more comfortable. Markram kept the tempo up, but once he departed for 82, the innings slowed and boundaries became harder to find.

With hardly any grass on the pitch, it looked like a decent surface for batting. But early on, Hazlewood and Dwarshuis found just enough movement and nip off the deck to keep the openers quiet. They bowled tight lines, making sure the batters couldn’t swing freely. But once that early movement faded, Markram and Rickelton began to settle in. They weren't flashy, but showed good composure while being watchful. They saw off the first line of Australia's bowling attack safely and posted 56 runs in the first Powerplay without losing a wicket.

Not quite sure which side will be more pleased with this score on the board. Australia might feel a bit good to restrict South Africa below 300, but given the circumstances South Africa were in before the start of the final Powerplay, they have recovered pretty well with the lower order chipping in with handy contributions. This is also the highest first-inning ODI total in Cairns, and with 11 runs coming off the last over, the Proteas would have a slight momentum going back into the sheds. But through and through, as has been the case in this white-ball series so far, both teams have traded blows equally and momentum hasn't stayed with one side for long.

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, SIX! Wiaan Mulder finishes things off in style! Slower one, on a length and outside off, Mulder hangs back and waits well before whacking it up and over long on for a biggie, just the third six of the innings but an important one at that. That's gone 99 meters! South Africa finish with 296/8 on the board!

Ben Dwarshuis to Nandre Burger, Full and slanting it into the legs, Burger plays all over the ball and gets pinged on the pads. The ball just rolls onto the leg side and they get a leg bye.

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, Banged in short and over middle, Wiaan Mulder takes on the pull and gets it just short of deep square leg for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, The call is for two and they get it with ease as well. Back of a length and outside off, slashed away by Mulder and towards the right of long off for a couple of runs.

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, Short of a length and around off, Mulder leans back and pulls it flat don to long on but denies the single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Nandre Burger, Back of a length and outside off, tapped away through backward point for a single by Nandre Burger.

Nandre Burger is in at 10. Ben Dwarshuis to wrap up the first innings with the ball.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, OUT! RUN OUT! That is ridiculous from Travis Head and he can do no wrong when he's on song, whether it be with bat, ball, or even in the field. Head tosses the ball up, full and straight, Wiaan Mulder leans on and drills the ball to the right of the bowler. Head goes down low to his right on the follow-through and deflects it back onto the stumps from a really acute angle. Prenelan Subrayen did just wander out of his crease and replays show that his bat was in the air when the bails came off.

Is that run out? The ball deflects off Head's right hand and smashes at the stumps at the non-striker's end. Prenelan Subrayen tries to drag back his bat inside the crease, but the replay shows that his bat is out by a close margin.

Travis Head to Prenelan Subrayen, Full and around off, hit away along the turf and down to long off for a single.

Travis Head to Prenelan Subrayen, Flatter one, on off, hit away back to the bowler, who lets it through the hands but no run is taken.

The 31-year-old debutant, Prenelan Subrayen, is in at 9.

Travis Head to Keshav Maharaj, OUT! CAUGHT! Travis Head gets a four-fer! Nicely flighted from around the stumps, using the angle well. This is bowled across off stump and Keshav Maharaj goes for the lofted shot. Maharaj doesn't quite get under the ball and ends up lifting it straight down to long off. Cameron Green takes a simple catch in the deep and South Africa are now 7 down for 284.

Travis Head to Keshav Maharaj, Tossed up on off, trying to angle it away, KM makes room and chips it down to the right of long off for a couple of runs.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, Around the wicket, attacking the pads and looking to cramp up the batter. Mulder hangs back and swings it down to deep backward square leg for just a single. Good work in the deep from Ben Dwarshuis.

Interesting. Travis Head to bowl the penultimate over. He is 8-0-53-3 so far.

Nathan Ellis to Keshav Maharaj, FOUR! That's well struck! Hard-length delivery outside off, Keshav Maharaj stands tall and hits on the up, gets it wide enough to the right of mid off and the ball speeds away to the fence.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Good length outside off, swung away across the line but straight to deep mid-wicket for one more. Just 2 off the over so far, one ball to go.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Full and wide, nails the wide yorker, Mulder has to really reach for it and ends up hitting it straight to a widish mid off.

Nathan Ellis to Keshav Maharaj, Hard length on off, angling back in, Maharaj gets jammed up but manages to pull it through mid on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Keshav Maharaj, Another dot! Full and wide outside off, gets it wide enough as Maharaj is unable to reach it.

Nathan Ellis to Keshav Maharaj, Pace on from Ellis, attacking the top of off and middle, Maharaj comes down the pitch and edges it down past the off stump and through to the keeper.

Adam Zampa to Keshav Maharaj, Darted in full and at the stumps, Keshav Maharaj stays back and covers the line, blocking it to the left of the bowler. The ball actually trickles towards the vacant mid off region and the batters pick up a single.

Adam Zampa to Keshav Maharaj, Slightly fuller, pushed through around off, angled away down to short third for another dot.

Adam Zampa to Keshav Maharaj, Flatter delivery on off, Keshav Maharaj hangs back and eases it out on the off side.

Adam Zampa to Wiaan Mulder, Full again, drifted onto the pads, Wiaan Mulder pushes it down to the right of long on for one more. They look for two but won't get it.

Adam Zampa to Keshav Maharaj, Flighted ball, very full and on off, Maharaj digs it out through wide mid off and turns the strike over.

Adam Zampa to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up outside off, Wiaan Mulder plants his front leg across and flat-bats it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Keshav Maharaj, FOUR! Streaky but will do nicely! Full and around off, Keshav Maharaj looks to push at it but the ball shapes away and catches the outside edge. Josh Inglis dives to his right but the ball beats him and trickles away into the deep third fence. This is now the highest first inning score in Carins in ODIs, although the sample size is very less. The previous best at the venue was 267, in 2022 between Australia and New Zealand.

Ben Dwarshuis to Keshav Maharaj, Wide! Slower one, a bit full and well outside off. Maharaj is unable to reach it and a wide is called.

Ben Dwarshuis to Keshav Maharaj, Full and on off, speared in, Keshav Maharaj stays compact and blocks it off.

Keshav Maharaj is in at 8.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, OUT! TIMBER! A big swing and a miss, might have actually been an inside edge but Temba Bavuma has to depart here. Ben Dwarshuis takes some pace off this delivery and serves it on a fuller length and around off. Bavuma makes room and gets low, trying to fetch and slog it over deep mid-wicket but loses his shape. The ball catches the inside edge and goes back in to crash into the stumps. A timely wicket for Dwarshuis and Australia, and the Proteas skipper departs for 65 (74).

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, Hard length now, around middle and skidding through, Wiaan Mulder looks to swipe across the line but gets an inside edge onto the back leg and the ball rolls behind point. A single is taken.

Ben Dwarshuis to Wiaan Mulder, Keeps the length full and slants it in towards the stumps, Mulder steps out and caresses it straight to covers.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Goes wider on the crease and tries to angle in a fuller delivery, Bavuma opens the bat face and glides it down to deep third for a single.

Adam Zampa to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Gets it away! Full delivery, outside the off stump. Wiaan Mulder gets on the front foot and cuts it square on the off side. Gets it past the diving backward point fielder to his right. The man from cover sprints to chase it before the ropes, but the ball has enough wheels to race away to the fence.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Full on the leg stump. Bavuma miscues the lap shot towards Marsh at deep fine leg. One taken.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, JUST IN! But that was a bit casual from the Proteas skipper! Slower through the air, full and on middle. Temba Bavuma gets on his knee and sweeps it over mid-wicket. Ben Dwarshuis from deep square leg runs across to his left and intercepts it as Temba Bavuma calls Wiaan Mulder through for the second runs as well. Dwarshuis releases a flat throw toward the keeper, seeing Temba Bavuma jogging off to get to the batting end. Josh Inglis collects the throw and whips the bails off. But the replay shows that Bavuma is just in. Probably doesn't want to risk his hamstring again.

Is that out? A bullet throw at the keeper's end from Ben Dwarshuis and Temba Bavuma could be in trouble here. The third umpire is called in and replays show that Bavuma did well to stretch his bat in the crease. NOT OUT!

Adam Zampa to Wiaan Mulder, Drags the length back, does Zampa, outside off, Wiaan rocks back and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Short and darted on the leg stump. Temba Bavuma gets on the back foot and punches it in the leg side for a single.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Too slow, full and spinning away from off. Temba Bavuma switches his stance and reverse sweeps it to the backward point fielder. The man there dives to his left and makes a half-stop, parrying behind for a couple of runs.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, A full toss, wide outside off, Wiaan Mulder liberates his arms and gets it between backward point and short third for a couple of runs.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length, outside off, punched off the back foot into the off side.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Controlled extremely well! Ellis dishes out a pace-off delivery, short and outside off, Wiaan Mulder reads the slower one well and pulls it along the ground. Splits the fielders converging from deep backward square and deep mid-wicket to perfection for a boundary. This brings up the 250 for South Africa.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Full and wide on off. Mulder stays leg side and has to reach to make any connection, but misses to do so.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Short and outside off, at 122.9 kph, Bavuma waits back and glides it to deep third for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, EDGED, FOUR! On a good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma backs away to create space for himself and tries to work it off side with an angled bat. The ball goes off the outside edge and runs behind to the deep third fence.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Released too slow off the hand, full and miles outside off, Temba Bavuma waits, waits and waits for it to arrive before driving it wide of mid off for a single.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, Full and outside off, smashed down to long off for a single.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Shortish on the stumps, Bavuma tucks it across to mid-wicket for a single.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, FIFTY FOR TEMBA BAVUMA! Head darts this around off, Temba Bavuma paddles sweeps fine through short fine leg for a couple of runs. The skipper has held one end nicely and would aim to accelerate in the death overs now.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Quicker and flatter, with the length pulled back. The ball lands and turns back in from outside off. Temba Bavuma weighs on the back foot and tries to cut it late, but misses. Josh Inglis collects the ball at chest height and whips the bails off in a snap and there's a half an appeal for stumping, but Temba Bavuma never lifted his back leg from the crease.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, A bit too full and quick, on off, drilled down by Mulder to long on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Mulder clips this low full toss to deep square leg for one more.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Slower delivery, on a length and on off, Temba Bavuma plays it late and dabs it across to the square leg region for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, This is the back-of-the-hand slower ball, on off, Wiaan Mulder tries to turn it across into the leg side, but gets a leading edge. But luckily, the ball flies over the cover fielder for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length, on top of off, stabbed back to the bowler.

Nathan Ellis to Wiaan Mulder, Attacks the stumps, on a length, Mulder is solid in defence.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, on fullish length, Temba Bavuma throws his bat at it and works it to deep cover for one more.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, Short and outside the off stump. Punched away off the back foot and through point. Hardie at deep cover chases it to his left and saves two for his side with the dive.

Travis Head to Wiaan Mulder, Length, around off, worked to cover.

Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat next, replacing Dewald Brevis.

Travis Head to Dewald Brevis, OUT! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A six and out for debutant Brevis, and a double whammy for Travis Head as he gets his third wicket! Head dishes out a slower delivery this time around, and keeps it full and wide outside off, getting some dip as well and making Brevis reach for it. Dewald Brevis clears the front leg to create room for himself and, with no intention to keep it along the ground, lofts it over mid on. Gets the elevation, but not the distance, and Alex Carey at long on gobbles up the catch. Dewald Brevis departs on 6 (2) and from 223/2, South Africa have slipped down to 230/5.

Travis Head to Dewald Brevis, SIX! What a way to announce yourself on your debut! Dropped short and quick by Head, on middle, Dewald Brevis is quick to read the length and rocks back, transfers the weight on the back foot and smokes it over the bowler for a huge six.

Dewald Brevis, on ODI debut, walks in at number 6.

Travis Head to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! GONE! CAUGHT! Second wicket for Travis Head as he gets a big fish, Tristan Stubbs! On a flatter trajectory, quick, full and outside off. Tristan Stubbs tries to loft it behind deep cover, but does not properly get his bat under the ball and goes through the shot. Hits it flat and aerially, but only as far as Cameron Green stationed a few yards inside the boundary. He takes a reverse cup catch around his face and Tristan Stubbs departs for a duck. South Africa are 224/4 down now.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Pushed through, full and outside off, Temba Bavuma drives it through the cover and point gap for an easy single.

Time for Powerplay 3! A maximum of five fielders can be stationed outside the 30-yard circle. Also, a change in bowling as Travis Head (6-0-38-1) is brought back into the attack.

Adam Zampa to Tristan Stubbs, Lobbed up, full and around off, Tristan Stubbs brings out the reverse sweep and nails it but straight to short third.

Tristan Stubbs walks in at number 5.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, OUT! CAUGHT! Adam Zampa does get the breakthrough for his side! Zampa tosses this one up on leg stump, slower too and not all that full. Matthew Breetzke sits down to slog sweep but ends up getting a top edge. The ball flies over square leg and it is Aaron Hardie who comes in from the deep, nearly overruns it but adjusts and takes a good reverse cup catch. Breetzke departs for a well-made 57 (56) and that ends a 88-run stand for the 3rd wicket for the Proteas.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Powerfully hit! Fractionally short around middle, Matthew Breetzke picks up length quickly and rocks back before pulling it flat and towards cow corner for a boundary.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, Oh, a lot is happening out in the middle! Tossed up on middle, Breetzke lofts it beautifully inside-out over covers and gets it to the left of deep cover. Breetzke jogs for a single and then looks for the second but gets stranded in the middle of the pitch. Josh Inglis picks up the throw from Marnus Labuschagne midway and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and Breetzke eventually does get the second run.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, Pushed through quicker and on off, Breetzke rocks back and jams it out into the off side.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, This is looped up around middle, Bavuma gets low and drags the sweep a bit aerially and to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa returns for what could be his final spell. He is 7-0-36-0 so far and replaces Nathan Ellis.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length and at the batter, turned away past square leg for a single by TB.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Good shot! Not all that full and around off, Temba Bavuma lays into the shot and hammers it flat over wide mid off for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, A bit of cat and mouse is going on between the bowler and the batter here. Breetzke is way too early to back away past the leg stump, and Josh follows him well down leg as well, with a shortish ball. Breetzke somehow manages to get some bat on it and pushes it into the off side for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Bowled into the pitch, Breetzke advances and looks to pull but mistimes it badly in front of mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Down the wrong line and punished! Matthew Breetzke brings up a run-a-ball FIFTY and it's been a solid innings from him thus far. Full and angling down leg, flicked away fine of fine leg and this one rolls into the fence. This is Matthew Breetzke's second ODI fifty, along with a century, in just three matches.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Back of a length, angled into the body, Breetzke looks to pick it up and swing it over square leg but misses. That's gone straight into the ribs but Breetzke is unfazed.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Top delivery! Ellis sees Bavuma backing away and manages to adjust and nails the yorker wide of the off stump. Bavuma tries to reach out and squeeze it away but fails to get a bat on it.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, gets it into the blockhole, Bavuma takes the front leg out and jams it down to mid on.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, A bit fuller now and attacking the stumps, Breetzke gets leg side of the ball and hammers it to deep cover for a run.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Bowled on a hard length over middle, fractionally short, Breetzke stays a bit low and swings it flat and just over md-wicket for a couple of runs in the deep.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Slower again, on a length and around off, Bavuma backs away and toe-ends the ball towards extra cover for just a single.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Slower one, on a length and on middle. This one bounces a bit extra but Bavuma manages to keep it down on the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Nicely bowled! A surprise short ball from Josh, dug in short and around off, Breetzke sets up for the cut but opts out of the shot and just sways away from the line of the ball.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Drags the length back and slants it into the body, Bavuma tucks it across in front of square leg and turns the strike over. Bavuma needs to go now as South Africa have plenty of firepower left in the shed.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Pitches it full and on off, gets it to nip back in, Bavuma stays upright and punches it straight to covers.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Hard length again, on middle and leg, Breetzke gets inside the line but misses the flick. The ball rolls off the thigh pads down to fine leg for a leg bye.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Hard length over off, Matthew Breetzke comes down the track, backs away and slams it over wide mid off, with one leg up in the air and picks up a boundary. The 200 also comes up for South Africa.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length and outside off, angled down through the third region for a single by Bavuma.

Marsh is in search of wickets, and he brings back his premier bowler. Here's Josh Hazlewood (6-0-20-0) back in the attack. Hoff replaces Aaron Hardie.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Oh, a bit of a double play here! The in-between length from Ellis, straight at the stumps, Breetzke defends with a straight bat as well and back to the bowler. Ellis tries to show some aggression by throwing the ball back at the batter and Breetzke shows the full face of the bat to it and blocks it off again. Ellis is a bit perplexed with that.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Hard length on middle, Bavuma hops inside the line of the ball and taps it in front of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Back of a length and around off, hit away through the off side for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, And again! Another slower one, back-of-the-hand this time and a tad fuller outside off, Breetzke looks to hit it through covers but is comprehensively beaten.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Slower delivery, a bit full and in the channel, Breetzke goes hard at it and misses.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Half an appeal for LBW, but Breetzke is well outside the line. Fullish length outside off, angling in, Breetzke moves across to lap it down to fine leg but the ball goes off the pads and behind square leg. The batters do brilliantly to race back for the second leg bye as well.

Nathan Ellis to continue.

Aaron Hardie to Matthew Breetzke, A length delivery, slanting into the pads, flicked away through backward square leg for one more.

Aaron Hardie to Temba Bavuma, Slower one, pitched up full on off, Bavuma blocks it off the inner half of the blade to mid-wicket and picks up a quick single.

Aaron Hardie to Temba Bavuma, Hits the deck hard, bowling it over off and middle, Bavuma goes into a side-on stance and nudges it down into the leg side.

Aaron Hardie to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Up and over goes Temba Bavuma! Hurls it on a good length, outside off, with no such pace to bother TB. He puts on his dancing shoes and slaps it over the extra cover region, as the ball races down to the fence for four runs.

Aaron Hardie to Temba Bavuma, Slower delivery, at the stumps, TB stays back and defends it out nicely.

Aaron Hardie to Matthew Breetzke, On top of off, length delivery, Matthew Breetzke steers it down to short third for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Australia have shown good discipline with the ball as spin has been effective, and a few chances here and there have been created. However, the Aussies haven't been able to string wickets in clusters, which has allowed the Proteas to string partnerships. With 8 wickets in hand and a couple of proper hitters yet to come, the tourists seem to be off to a big total on a slow pitch. Currently, this stand between Matthew Breetzke and skipper Temba Bavuma has stitched together 53 runs, and Australia are in search of a breakthrough. A couple of quick wickets moving towards the climax of the innings could prove handy. But they need them now. A change in bowling as Aaron Hardie returns for another spell. He is 1-0-13-0 so far. Also, as per the new ICC rules, it seems like Australia have picked one ball of the two to continue till the end of the innings.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Length ball, angled into off and middle, Breetzke is late on the shot but jams his bat down in time and gets it in front of point for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, This one stays low! Bowled at 135.6 kph, on a fuller length and in the channel. Breetzke looks to punch it away but is undone by the lack of bounce and gets beaten past the inside edge.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Good length, on a tighter line on off, Breetzke hangs back and dabs it down to short third.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Uppish but safe! Bangs it on a touch shorter length, outside off, Matthew Breetzke's eyes light up on that, and he slashes it hard and in the air to beat Marnus Labuschagne diving to his left at point for four runs. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between Bavuma and Breetzke!

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, Back-of-the-hand slower one from Ellis. Lands it full and outside off, Matthew Breetzke looks to work that off side but gets beaten by the change of pace.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, In-between length, on top of middle, Matthew Breetzke hops up and jams it to covers for a dot delivery.

Nathan Ellis (4-0-22-0) is back on. He replaces Adam Zampa.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Flatter one on the pads, tucked down wide of short fine leg for a single.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Tossed up, punched back firmly to the bowler.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR MORE! Matthew Breetzke is taking Marnus Labuschagne on. Floated up around off, Breetzke sits down and drags the sweep, hitting it aerially and towards deep square leg. Alex Carey over there is a bit too much inside the ropes and doesn't pick up the ball until it's too late and eventually, it sails over his head for a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Put away nicely! A real loosener from Marnus Labuschagne. Drops a low full toss, around the pads, Matthew Breetzke lunges forward and sweeps it across on the leg side for a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Nagging length, at the sumps, Matthew Breetzke defends it out nicely off the front foot.

Marnus Labuschagne to Temba Bavuma, Flighted delivery, fuller and at the stumps, TB drills it down to long on for an easy single.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Flighted delivery, full and around off, driven off the front foot and down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, The wrong'un now, dished out full and wide, Bavuma reaches out to cut but gets it off the inside half of the blade towards cover.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Fuller one on off and middle, driven along the turf and to the left of the bowler, who makes a good stop on the follow-through.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Swept across for his second boundary! Slides it on a full length and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma gets down on his knees and times the sweep shot to perfection to beat the deep square leg fielder on his right for four runs.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Tossed-up delivery, outside off, Bavuma steers with an open bat face to short third.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Dragged length, outside off, TB looks to cut that away on the off side, but the bounce stays low and doesn't allow him to do so.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Floated up on middle and leg, this one grips and Breetzke manages to block it off.

Marnus Labuschagne to Temba Bavuma, That should have been put away! A full toss around middle, Temba Bavuma gets low and swats it away wide of deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Drops the length back and bowls it short outside off, Breetzke makes room and cuts it to deep point for one more.

Marnus Labuschagne to Temba Bavuma, Digs in full and at the stumps, Temba Bavuma drives it down to long on for a brace.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Leg spin, curving away on off, MB lunges forward and manages to get the outer half of the bat on the off side for a single.

Marnus Labuschagne to Matthew Breetzke, Loops it up, around off, Matthew Breetzke knocks it to cover.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Lovely delivery from Zampa and an equally fantastic work from Josh Inglis behind the wickets! But Bavuma is well in. Zampa offers more loop on this delivery than the previous one, full and outside off. Temba Bavuma is lured to play at it and gets on the front foot to drive through the cover region, but the ball gets an evident purchase off the deck as it spins sharply away. Beats the outside edge of the bat and Josh Inglis gathers it cleanly behind before whipping the bails off in a flash. However, the side-on replay shows that Temba Bavuma has dragged his back leg inside the popping crease before the stumps are broke by Inglis.

Is that gone? Handy glovework from Josh Inglis and the umpires have gone upstairs for a stumping check. The third umpire rolls in the replays and finds that Temba Bavuma dragged his back leg inside the crease in time. NOT OUT!

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Full delivery, floated outside off, Temba Bavuma lunges forward and drives it to the left of the cover fieler for a couple of runs.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Into the blockhole, on off, Temba Bavuma gets on the front foot and squeezes it out to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, Tossed up full and around off, Matthew Breetzke plants his front foot forward and drills it down towards long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Top-spinner, outside off, on a fuller length, Temba Bavuma knocks it down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Breetzke, In-between length, around off, and MB prods forward to play it out on the off side for a quick single.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, A very quick over from Travis Head. Dishes out a flatter delivery, full and on off, spinning in a touch. Temba Bavuma watchfully blocks it to the off side.

Travis Head to Matthew Breetzke, Brings the stumps in play, does Head. Short and on middle and leg, punched down to long on for a single.

Travis Head to Matthew Breetzke, Length, outside off, cut away to point off the back foot.

Travis Head to Matthew Breetzke, Drops it full and around the legs this time, Matthew Breetzke wrists to towards short mid-wicket.

Travis Head to Matthew Breetzke, FOUR! Driven nicely through the covers! A juicy half volley outside off, Matthew Breetzke leans forward and caresses it between mid off and cover for four runs.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Fullish delivery and outside off, Temba Bavuma takes a big stride forward and drives it to backward point for a single. 150 is up for South Africa!

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Bavuma steers this length-delivery to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Short of a good length, on the stumps, wristed down to mid on.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Slants it in, short and on leg, Temba Bavuma walks a couple of steps out of the crease, shanks it over mid-wicket and hares back for the second.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Back of a length, outside off, Matthew Breetzke punches it off the back foot to deep cover-point for an easy single. Good batting approach from Matthew Breetzke.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, SIX! Picked the bones out of it! Pushed across the batter, on a length and outside off, Matthew Breetzke reads the line early, and shimmies down the track to swat that over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The first six of the match. A boundary after a long time for the tourists, with the previous one coming in the 20th over.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Three-quarter length, around off, Matthew Breetzke gets behind the line and defends it out.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, This one doesn't rise off the deck as Breetzke expected it to. Short and nipping into the batter, on off. Matthew Breetzke shapes to pull, but as the ball stays low, it goes off the toe end, and rolls to the short third region for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Digs it in, short and on top of off, Temba Bavuma stands tall and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Cramps Bavuma with a length ball, angling on the leg stump. Bavuma backs away a bit and steers it to the point region.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, In the corridor of off, Temba Bavuma steers it late towards the left of backward point and looks for one, but is sent back in time by Breetzke. No run taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, On top of off, a touch fuller, nips back in a bit, Matthew Breetzke dabs it in front of backward point and sets off for a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Keeps the line tight, does Josh. Full and attacks the stumps, Matthew Breetzke pushes it towards short mid-wicket for a dot.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Slants it onto the pads, does Dwarshuis, Matthew Breetzke uses his wrists and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Another boundary-less over for South Africa. Just 22 runs have come off the last 6 overs.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Short, on off, Breetzke knocks it off the back foot to the bowler.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Half-tracker, outside off, Matthew Breetzke gets on the front foot and plays it on the up to short cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Goes fuller this time, does Ben. Temba Bavuma strides forward and drives it on the up through the covers for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Keeps it on a length and outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to slog that away on the leg side, but manages to find the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Angled into the batter, around off, a touch short, Matthew Breetzke hops up and dabs it to backward point for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a shortish length, on middle, Temba Bavuma hangs back and knocks it to the point fielder.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Slams the deck hard, does Hoff, on middle. Temba Bavuma lets the ball arrive and taps it out to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Fuller, and around off, Matthew Breetzke prods forward and pushes it in front of mid off for a quick run.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Skids and nips into the batter, on a length, Matthew Breetzke plays close to the body and opens the bat face to dab it towards backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Short of a good length, outside off, cut square towards the point fielder.

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, Back of a length, outside off, punched off the back foot by Breetzke to the right of cover. Bavuma sniffs a single, but the fielder is quick to get on the ball and throw at the bowler's end, but misses to score a direct hit. And that allows Bavuma to get back home safely.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length, around off, steered into the off side by Bavuma.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Length, angling in, blocked off.

Ben Dwarshuis to Matthew Breetzke, Good length and on the off stump line, Matthew Breetzke works it off the back foot and hits it wide of mid on for a single to get off the mark.

Matthew Breetzke comes in at number 4. Also, FYI - with the recent ICC rule changes in ODI cricket, after the 34th over is done, the fielding side will have the chance to choose one of the two balls currently in operation and that one will be used for the remaining overs. This change was brought in to allow the bowlers a chance of getting some reverse swing with the older ball.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! A loose stroke from Markram and Australia get their second wicket! Dwarshuis slams it on a good length and slants it on the off stump with some extra bounce on it. Aiden Markram plays it from the crease as he looks to cut it square on the off side. But he does not account for the bounce and the ball deflects off the outside edge. Dips low to the right of Josh Inglis behind the stumps and he scoops it nicely before the ground. Aiden Markram is disappointed and trudges off after scoring 82 (81) and South Africa are 131/2.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma cuts it to the right of the diving Marnus Labuschagne at backward point for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Angled into the bodyline by Dwarshuis, Bavuma tries to pull this short ball away, but it skids and stays low. Beats the inside edge and lobs off the flap of the front pad and drops on the pitch.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Slows it up a bit, full and on the leg stump, Temba Bavuma flicks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket. Another single milked.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Quicker through the air, full and on middle and leg, Aiden Markram forces the drive down to long off for one more.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Slides it onto the pads, does Zampa, Temba Bavuma leans on and steers this full ball through backward square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Tossed full and outside off, Aiden Markram plants front foot forward and lofts it inside out over cover for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Length, outside off, Markram reaches for it and chop-cuts it to point.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Drag-downer, on middle and short, stays low on the bounce. Aiden Markram rocks back and pulls it off the toe end of the bat. Hits it over mid-wicket and it is mopped up by deep square leg to his left. Two taken.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram plays the square cut off the back foot and gets a single at deep point.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Into the pitch, short and on middle, Temba Bavuma swivels and controls the pull shot, along the ground to deep square leg. A single taken.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Not too full, not too short, on off, angling in. Aiden Markram punches it through point for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Temba Bavuma, Skidder around off, on a good length, Temba Bavuma hangs back, opens the bat face late and glides it to deep third for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, On a length, on the stumps, Markram punches it on the rise, and down the ground for a single to the left of long on.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Around the stumps, angling in and around off, on a length, Markram hangs back and knocks it to point where the fielder dives to his right and stops it.

Ben Dwarshuis (3-0-16-0) is brought back into the attack.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, The length is pulled back again, around off, Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and this time, he gets this past cover and point for a single. 5 runs off the over.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Pulls the length back, and goes quicker, on off, Markram punches it to the cover fielder.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Floated full and spinning away from off, Bavuma plays with soft hands and drives it through wide mid off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Fuller, outside off, Aiden Markram swots it over the vacant mid off region for a single at long off.

Adam Zampa to Temba Bavuma, Slides it fuller and around middle and off, turning away. Temba Bavuma takes out a giant stride and taps the ball into the cover-point region for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Switch of ends for Adam Zampa. Flighted delivery, outside off, Aiden Markram spreads on the crease and caresses the full ball to deep extra cover for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, On a hard length again, cutting back into the batter, Markram plays it on the up and gets it down to long on for another single.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, in and around off, nudged down to deep third for a single. Smart batting.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! That's been slapped! Dug in well short and outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a hold of the pull shot and drags it flat and hard in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Slower one, on a hard length around middle, Markram stays forward and just checks the drive, easing it through mid on for one more.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Good call for the single! Length ball outside off, Bavuma looks to play it with an angled bat behind point but gets an under edge that goes towards backward point and Markram calls him through for a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length and over off, Temba Bavuma stands upright and gets on top of the bounce, punching it down to mid off.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Classy shot from Aiden Markram! Fullish length around off, pushed through, Markram waits back and just opens the face of the bat at the last second to run it fine of short third and the ball speeds away to the fence.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Speared in towards the stumps, Markram tries to back away and only manages to flick it straight to mid-wicket.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Nagging length around off, hit away off the back foot and straight back to the bowler.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Hammered away! Tossed-up delivery, full and outside off, Markram lays into the drive and smacks it flat over wide mid off for a boundary.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Wide! Throws this one up full and wide outside off, Markram leaves it alone and gets the wide call in his favor.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Pushed through and angled into the pads, tucked away neatly down to fine leg for a couple of runs by Markram.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Flatter delivery, pushed into the batter, Markram rocks back and tucks it in front of square leg.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Full of a good length and in the channel, Bavuma solidly blocks it off.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, A bit fuller, angled into middle, punched away on the up by Markram and wide of mid off for one more.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Length again, but the line is straighter, Bavuma pushes it off the inside half of the bat towards mid off and gets off the mark with a single.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, Good length again, in and around off, Temba Bavuma doesn't move his feet yet again and plays it off the inside half of the blade into the leg side.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, The inside edge saves Bavuma here! Good length around off, this one nips back in a fraction. Absolutely no foot movement from Temba as he looks to push at it and gets a big inside edge onto the pads.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Pace is back on with Nathan Ellis. Back of a length and over off, pace-off as well, Aiden Markram stands tall and hits it behind square on the off side for a single.

Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length on off, flighted as well and this one grips a bit. Temba Bavuma offers a front-foot defense to it.

DRINKS BREAK. Mitchell Marsh has smartly brought spin in tandem and the ball has gripped evidently. Ryan Rickelton, in particular, looked tentative against the two spinners before perishing. However, the two openers have provided a decent foundation for South Africa with Markram looking solid at one end, scoring a fifty. It is on the incoming batters to build on this start. Australia's immediate aim will be getting the Proteas skipper out as quickly as possible, as with two new batters in, scoring might not be easy against spin. So far, both spinners have created chances and have been tighter with their lines and lengths. Temba Bavuma joins Markram at the crease at number 3.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! CAUGHT! Travis Head finally gets his man and Ryan Rickelton simply didn't look comfortable against either of the two spinners. Head tosses the ball up outside off and gets it to turn further away. Rickelton decides to step down the track but loses his shape and has to reach out for the lofted shot, but he is nowhere near the pitch of the ball. Rickelton ends up chipping it wide of mid off, where Marnus Labuschagne scampers to his right and dives to take a good catch. Rickelton departs for 33 (43) and the opening stand 92 is finally broken.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Relatively full and straight, quicker too, Markram pushes it off the back foot and down to long on for a single.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Full and outside off, smacked away straight to covers.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Mistimed, but Markram's got enough on it! Flighted ball around off, Aiden Markram looks to go inside-out but gets it off the inside half of the blade and over the mid off fielder for a boundary.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, A slingy delivery, curving in from outside off, Aiden Markram steps out of the crease and hammers the drive wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up, very full and on the stumps, jammed back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Lofted away by Aiden Markram and he brings up his 13th ODI FIFTY! Tossed up, on a length and outside off, Markram gets under it and hits it with the spin, up and over covers. The ball plugs in the outfield and Marnus Labuschagne does well to chase it down and saves a run for his side as well.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, A bit quicker, relatively full and on leg, Rickelton plays it off the back foot and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Lovely flight on offer from Zampa. This is bowled full and on off, Aiden Markram looks to open up the off side but gets an inside edge that goes past leg stump and towards backward square leg for a run.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Floated up around middle and leg, Zampa gets some drift this time, Aiden Markram makes room and drives it towards cover.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Pushed through quicker on middle, Markram punches it back to the bowler.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Flighted ball outside off, driven through the gap at covers for a single.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Tossed up around off, curving back in, Markram punches it firmly to covers.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, DROPPED! Can one even call it a drop catch? Josh Inglis had no time to react. Quick and flat outside off, Ryan Rickelton backs away to cut but gets an inside edge and the ball goes straight onto the thighs of the keeper and rolls away behind point for a single.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Keeps it full and targets the pad line, Aiden Markram leans onto it and drives it to long on for an easy single.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Slightly full and around the stumps, Ryan Rickelton shimmies down the track and knocks it to mid on for a quick single.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Flighted delivery, full and at the stumps, RR drives it back towards the bowler, where Head manages to keep a hand on it as the ball rolls to mid on.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, That's kept low! Flatter delivery around off, not quite short enough to pull. Aiden Markram rocks back to swing it over mid-wicket but the ball stays low and beats the bat, going agonizingly wide of the off stump as well.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, Floated up, full and on off, Rickelton leans on and strokes it down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Oh, that's slipped out of the hand! Zampa looks to toss one up but ends up serving a high full toss over the stumps, Aiden Markram gets taken aback but does well to just hit it down through point for a single. Zampa's got away with that one.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, full and outside off. It lands and turns away from the right-hander. Markram strides forward and goes for the expansive drive, but plays that away from his body. Ends up getting a thick outside edge. And with no first slip in place, the ball goes past the left of short third for a couple.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, Dragged length, on the stumps, Ryan Rickelton gets back and plays it to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, A huge appeal from Zampa and the umpire remains unmoved this time. This time, the Aussies go upstairs for a review. Zampa darts it on a full length, around the legs, and Ryan Rickelton looks to flick that away but gets rapped on the back pad. The Snicko shows no bat involved, but the Ball Tracking shows the ball is pitching outside the legstump. Australia lose the review, and the decision remains NOT OUT!

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Tossed up on the legs, nudged away 'round the corner on the leg side for a run.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Rickelton is looking a bit tentative here! Flighted ball around middle, Ryan Rickelton comes down the pitch but is beaten in flight and still goes through with the lofted shot. He skews it high and gets it over mid off for a couple of runs.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Nagging length around middle, angles back in a touch, Rickelton hops back and jams it down to mid on.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker one, around off and turning away, Rickelton backs away and swats it straight to short cover.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, A confident appeal for LBW, and the finger goes up. This looks really close, but maybe height can save Rickelton here. Ryan Rickelton walks towards Aiden Markram and after a long chat, he opts for a review. Head drops it full and straight at the stumps, RR goes down for the sweep shot and misses it completely, as the ball gets some bounce off the pitch, and hits his left elbow. UltraEdge shows no bat involved, but the Ball Tracking shows the ball going over the middle stump. Ryan Rickelton survives, and a brilliant review saves him. By the expressions of Travis Head, one can read that he is astounded.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Loopy delivery, full and around off, Aiden Markram drives it firmly to deep cover for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Throws this one wider outside off, a bit short as well, Markram hangs back and cuts it through backward point for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Floated up, on a slightly dragged length and outside off, Markram backs away to cut but ends up jamming it back onto the deck.

Adam Zampa to Ryan Rickelton, Nice and full, Rickelton lunges and wrists it through square leg for a run.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, A leg break, on a length, around off, punched down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Misfield! Pushed through the air, short and outside off, Markram presses back and cuts it straight to the point fielder, where Mitchell Marsh fails to hold onto that neatly and the ball parries behind him. The batters pick up a couple of runs in the meantime as the skipper himself chases it down.

Adam Zampa to Aiden Markram, Flights it up on a fuller length and around off, Markram knocks it to covers for a dot delivery.

Spin is in tandem now. Here's Adam Zampa into the attack. He replaces Nathan Ellis.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Darts this one in full as well, towards middle and leg, Rickelton jams it out.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Oh, nearly carried, that one! Pushed through, full and straight, Ryan Rickelton looks to flick but ends up almost chipping it straight back to the bowler. Luckily for Ryan, the ball fell short of Travis Head.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Flighted up, on a dragged length and on off, Markram leans on and taps it through wide mid on for a single.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Classic from Markram! Drags down the length a bit, around off, Aiden Markram rocks back and cuts it hard to beat the backward point fielder for a welcome boundary.

Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Drops it full and outside off, Aiden Markram pushes it to backward point.

Travis Head to Ryan Rickelton, Tosses it up, full and at the pads, RR chips it uppishly to mid on for a single.

Powerplay 1 is done! Time for PP2 now and Australia will have the opportunity to spread the field as a maximum of 4 fielders are allowed outside the ring now till the 40th over. Also, a change in bowling and pace as well. Travis Head is brought into the attack, replacing Aaron Hardie.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Pitched fuller, on off, Aiden Markram pushes at the delivery and gets it edged towards backward point. South Africa are 56/0 at the end of the first Powerplay.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and slightly outside off, Ryan Rickelton pushes off the front foot to mid off and skates through for a quick single.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, Overpitched, shaping away, outside off, Ryan Rickelton carves it crisply, but straight to the man at cover.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, Change of pace this time from Ellis. Honing outside off, slightly fuller, RR looks to work that away in the off side, but the ball stays low to meet the inside edge and rolls back behind towards the keeper.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Angles into the batter, bowls it on a length and around the legs, Aiden Markram stands tall and punches it off the back foot to long on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, In the corridor, on a length, around off, Markram steers it straight to short third.

Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, on a length, tucked towards wide mid-wicket.

Aaron Hardie to Aiden Markram, Jags in a bit, on a length, on off, Aiden Markram pushes it off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for a single.

Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, Too full and outside off, Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and pins this between mid off and cover for three more runs.

Aaron Hardie to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Clipped away nicely! Errs in the line, sprays on the pads, and on a length, Ryan Rickelton allows the ball to come onto him and tickles that away fine for another boundary.

Aaron Hardie to Aiden Markram, Length delivery and outside off, Aiden Markram plays it off the front foot to deep cover-point for a single.

Aaron Hardie to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Cuts this, and cuts it hard past backward point! Width on offer, outside off, on a length, Aiden Markram stays back and cuts it uppishly behind backward point for four runs.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, Hard length, around off, punched down to mid off. South Africa just gaining a bit of momentum here as the last two overs have produced 17 runs for the tourists.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Slapped away! Ellis serves it outside off, on a good length. Ryan Rickelton gets enough width and bounce to work with. Cuts it on the up and finds the gap through cover and point for a boundary. Also, the replay shows that the ball didn't rise much off the deck.

Nathan Ellis to Ryan Rickelton, Fuller and on the stumps, pushed firmly in thereabouts of mid off.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, On a length and cuts back into the batter, Markram flicks that to deep square leg for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Driven on the up this time! Not a bad delivery at all, but it's the class of Markram written all over this shot. Punches it off the back foot, straight past the bowler, this length delivery, at the stumps.

Nathan Ellis to Aiden Markram, Right on the money, is Ellis. Drops it on a length, attacks the stump line, Markram pushes it back to the bowler.

Nathan Ellis comes in as the first bowling change as he replaces Ben Dwarshuis.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Length ball, on off, Ryan Rickelton leans on it and blocks it off watchfully.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, with a cross seam, over the stumps, Aiden Markram short-arm jabs it over mid-wicket for three more runs as Travis Head chases it down from the inner ring.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On top of the stumps, on a length, cutting in a touch. Aiden Markram stands tall and knocks it off the back foot to cover-point.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Rickelton pierces the gap perfectly this time. Nagging length, outside off, RR gets on top of it and slashes it past point and runs three. Alex Carey cuts it off before the boundary ropes and saves a run for his team.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Good-length delivery and outside off, Ryan Rickelton punches it to cover off the front foot.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Keeps it on a fuller length, Aiden Markram drives it to the left of mid on and sets off for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, Short of a length, kicking off the deck just a bit to beat the outside edge of Ryan Rickelton who tries to cut it square from the crease.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Across off, on a hard length, Aiden Markram punches on the rise to cover-point and calls Ryan through for a single. Alex Carey collects the ball to his left and releases the throw to the batting end as Ryan Rickelton jogs to get to the other end, but misses to score the direct hit. Had the throw hit, Ryan Rickelton would have been gone for all money. Also, that was a bit of casual running from Rickelton.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Up and over! Back of a length, on top of off, Aiden Markram plays from the crease, gets the bat under the ball, and jabs it over mid on for a boundary.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Fuller and outside off, driven straight to cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Similar line and length, worked to cover again by Markram.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around off, punched to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, On off, on a length, Rickelton stabs it straight back to the bowler. Excellent control from Hazlewood so far. His figures read 3-1-9-0.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a back of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram is forced to draw his front foot out, and drives off the outer half of the bat, toward deep backward point for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Quick run! On a good length, outside off, Ryan Rickelton drives past the right of diving short cover, but Alex Carey from cover-point dives to his left and intercepts the ball. They cross.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard, on middle, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, On a length, outside off, driven past covers for a couple of runs.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off on a length, Ryan punches off the back foot to short cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Gets it through! Dwarshuis offers width outside off, on a fuller length, Aiden Markram leans on it and cracks the cover drive, through that narrow gap for a boundary.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Sprays miles outside off, on a fuller length, goes beyond the tramline. Markram leaves. Wide called.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Fullish delivery, around off, Markram drives off the inner half of the bat to short cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Slants it across off, on a good length, Aiden Markram slashes at it, but gets an inside edge and the ball goes onto the pitch.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Keeps the line of attack on the stumps, on a fullish length, Aiden Markram prods forward and drives it straight to cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Around off, on a good length, angling in a touch. Aiden Markram chips it on the bounce to cover.

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, A little bit of an inswing, on middle, Aiden Markram pushes this length ball to mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Nagging length, on the fourth stump, Ryan watchfully steers it out to point.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Around the wicket, on a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton chops it off the back foot.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On the stumps, on that in-between length, Aiden Markram pushes it wide mid off for a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, A yard behind the fuller length, outside off, Markram drives it on the rise, but finds Marnus Labuschagne at point.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, The stumps are attacked now, on a length, Aiden Markram hangs back and punches it to the mid off region.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Excellent placement! Back of a length, just outside off, nibbling away off the deck. Aiden Markram weighs on the back foot and cuts it to the left of backward point for a boundary.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, Far from off, full and shaping away. Ryan Rickelton is happy to leave that alone.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, Shapes away late, outside off, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms at it.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, Nice bit of an away movement, on a back of a length, outside off, Ryan lets it be.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Lovely stroke! A bit too full from Dwarshuis, curving away from off, Ryan Rickelton presses forward and drives it through cover for a boundary. The first of the match!

Ben Dwarshuis to Aiden Markram, Markram, too, is off the mark! An inswinger, on a length, on off, Aiden Markram plays it on the rise and drives it to the right of mid off for a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to Ryan Rickelton, Ryan Rickelton and South Africa are underway! Dwarshuis shapes it away, on a length, fairly outside off. Ryan Rickelton hangs his bat away from the body and steers it off the outer half towards deep backward point. Gets a single.

Ben Dwarshuis to take the other new ball for Australia.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, A maiden to start with! Perfect from Josh Hazlewood! Bowls it slightly fuller than the previous delivery, on middle and leg, Markram forces it toward mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On song, is Hazlewood! This one cuts back into the batter, on a length, around middle. Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and tries to push it straight, but inside edges onto the front pad.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Goes fuller and shapes away from middle, Aiden Markram plays with a straight bat and pushes it firmly back to Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Straighter and on a good length, around off, Aiden Markram punches off the back foot to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On the hard length, on off, Markram gets right behind the ball and blocks it off the back foot.

Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On the money straightaway! Nip-backer from the fourth stump line, on a length, Aiden Markram leaves and watches the ball go all the way to the keeper.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Australia. It will be the same opening pairing as the T20Is for South Africa, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton striding out to the middle. Josh Hazlewood will take the first new ball and he is raring to go. Let's play...

It is time to listen to Australia's Marnus Labuschagne who came for a quick chat. Marnus says that it's been good after coming back from the West Indies and has had time to work on his game. Reckons that form isn't necessarily the same across all formats, and he tries to separate the red-ball and the white-ball format. Adds that he's mostly batted at number 4 and 5 in ODIs, so batting at number 3 is an opportunity, and hopefully, he can do well.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis (On ODI debut), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen (On ODI debut), Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, says that they would have bowled first as well, as this is what the stat says. Informs that Dewald Brevis is surely playing and Prenelan Subrayen also makes it to the side, and he is excited to see what these guys can do in the longer format. He further stresses on adapting the conditions well. Also mentions that if the conditions demands them to play in a certain way, they would like to do so.

The Australian skipper, Mitchell Marsh, says that the wicket looks dry, but the dew should set in as well. Adds that they are a really well-connected group, who play for Australia and like to win. Informs that there are no surprises as the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey come into the team.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin is won by Mitchell Marsh and he elects what he loves to do the most. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE - We are hearing that South Africa's premier bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has been RULED OUT of the ODI series due to inflammation of his right ankle. According to Cricket South Africa's official post on social media, Rabada underwent a scan on Monday, which revealed the extent of his injury. He will remain in rehab in Australia, and will be monitored by the South African medical staff. This is a huge blow for the Proteas, and it remains to be seen who will make it in the eleven in his absence. They do have a couple of options in their squad - Nandre Burger and Kwena Maphaka - in the pace department.

The last these two sides met in this format was in the 2023 World Cup semifinal, with their previous bilateral series coming just before that mega event. Recent history, though, has gone South Africa’s way as they have won four of the last five series, while Australia’s last series success came way back in 2014/15. Cairns, however, has been a fortress for the hosts with five ODIs played here and not a single defeat. Three matches, two quality sides, and plenty on the line, to stitch a strong future. It is all set up for a cracking series. Will the bowlers rule? Or is it going to be a batter's safe haven? Toss and team news shortly. Stay tuned.

Apart from skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram holding the batting core, and Kagiso Rabada with Lungi Ngidi leading the bowling, this Proteas lineup is buzzing with youth. Fresh faces, raw energy and a couple of debutants will be stepping straight into the spotlight. It’s a big test, but also a chance to grab this opportunity to make their mark. Alongside them are a few familiar names who’ve forced their way after strong stints in the T20I series across both departments. One such name is Kwena Maphaka, who had a dream run in the T20I series, where he picked up 9 wickets, the most in the series. 

Australia still carry plenty of firepower despite a few injury concerns. Travis Head hasn't been in the same form he was back in 2023, Marnus Labuschagne is out to nail down his own spot in the side, and skipper Mitchell Marsh is the man in form up top. The big question, though, is, who after Maxwell? That’s where the likes of Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie get thrown into the furnace. The batting may be finding its next gear, but the bowling ranks remain lethal with Josh Hazlewood leading the charge alongside Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, alongside some young guns as well.

Australia roll into this series minus a few of their marquee names. Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have already stepped away from ODIs, while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are sitting this one out to recharge ahead of the Ashes. The Proteas aren’t at full strength either. Marco Jansen remains sidelined with a thumb injury, David Miller is featuring in The Hundred, and Heinrich Klaasen’s retirement leaves a gap in the middle order. And no one carries more hype than Dewald Brevis, who is highly likely to make his ODI debut. After lighting up the T20Is, the stage is wide open for him to stamp himself as South Africa’s next big white-ball hitter.

G’day from Cairns. The T20I leg gave us no dull moment with both sides flexing their depth and skill in equal measure. That chapter is done with the hosts claiming the series that went down to the wire, and the attention now turns to the ODI format. Cazaly’s Stadium takes centre stage for the opener, hosting its first game between Australia and South Africa, before the teams head down to Mackay to wrap up the series. The Aussies return to the format after the Champions Trophy earlier in the year, while South Africa arrive from a tri-series in Zimbabwe, where they stumbled at the final hurdle. With the 2027 ODI World Cup somewhere around the halfway mark, both sides will have an eye on shaping their core, ironing out combinations, and setting down markers for the road ahead. On that note, we welcome you all to our coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

The ODI leg of Australia’s home summer kicks off with a mouth-watering clash at the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns as they take on South Africa in the first of three matches. Australia come in on the back of a 2-1 T20I series win, but they know the Proteas have been their bogey side in recent years, having lost the last four bilateral ODI series between the two, including the last time they met in Australia. Both teams also return to the format after their Champions Trophy heartbreaks, with the hosts falling to India and South Africa being undone by New Zealand in the semifinals. Australia’s strength, as always, lies in their top order with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh setting the tone, and in-form Cameron Green adding stability in the middle alongside Alex Carey. Josh Inglis’ power-hitting gives them flexibility, but they will only have Josh Hazlewood from the potent pace trio for this series. Supporting him will be Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis, with Adam Zampa leading the spin attack. A few of the big names have been rested, which gives the chance to the fringe players to step up and make a mark. South Africa arrive with momentum despite losing the T20Is, thanks largely to the stunning form of Dewald Brevis, who lit up the series with a blistering hundred and a quickfire fifty. He is expected to make his ODI debut and will hopefully continue his good run. Add in the experience of skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram, and their batting suddenly looks dangerous. The likes of Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton add further depth. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada along with Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi, remains top-class in world cricket, with Keshav Maharaj providing control in the middle overs. The concern for them will be finishing games under pressure, something that has haunted South African sides in the past. With history favouring the Proteas and the Aussies eager to reassert dominance at home, this opener promises fireworks. South Africa’s recent edge in ODIs will give them confidence, but with the backing of the home fans, the Aussies will be ready for anything. It’s a clash of pride, power, and pedigree!