South Africa vs Australia: Tristan Stubbs out early, Travis Heads takes 4 wickets

CAIRNS: Tristan Stubb of South Africa was dismissed for a duck in the opening match of the ODI series vs Australia at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, Australia.

Opener Travis Head was the standout bowler for the Kangaroos, taking four wickets at a loss of 57 runs; he helped disrupt South Africa’s batting lineup.

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Matthew Breeaztke made an important contribution with steady 57 runs from 56 balls to help South Africa reach a total of 296 at a loss of 8 wickets.

Strong opening partnership

South Africa captain Temba Beyuma won the toss and chose to field. The Proteas’ innings began with a strong opening partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram. The pair put on 92 runs, with Markram scoring 82 before being caught off Ben Dwarshuis. Rickelton scored 33 but was dismissed by Travis Head.

Middle-order and lower-order

Beyuma scored 65 runs from 74 balls before being bowled by Ben Dwarshuis while attempting to increase the run rate.

Dewald Brevis replaced Tristan Stubbs who was duck out. He made an immediate impact, hitting two 6s early.

Wiann Mulder finished the innings unbeaten on 31 runs, hitting a 6 off the final ball bowled by Dwarshuis.

Travis Head’s impact with the ball

Travis Head’s off-spin dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, taking four critical wickets including Rickelton, Stubbs and Brevis.

His 4-57 marked him as one of they key bowlers in the first match of the South Africa vs Australia ODI series. Head’s skills with part-time spin was instrumental in previous tournaments as well, including the 2023 World Cup.

Setbacks for South Africa batting order

South Africa suffered a major setback before the start of the series as fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Marco Jansen was also unavailable following thumb surgery.

Without the two, South Africa’s pace bowling responsibilities fell on Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kwena Maphaka.

Additional seam options come from the all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch. The spin department is covered by Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subraven.

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Venue

The South Africa vs Australia ODI series opener is being played at Cazaly’s stadium, with the next two matches scheduled at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.