Keshav breaks Aussies as SA take 1-0 lead in ODI series Down Under

SA CRICKETER of the Year Keshav Maharaj tore through Australia's new-look batting order as the Proteas claimed the ODI series opener by 98 runs in Cairns yesterday.

- BY ZAAHIER ADAMS

In the unfamiliar spin-friendly conditions, Maharaj spun a web around the Australian middle-order to claim 5/33 as the hosts' pursuit of the Proteas' 296/8 collapsed in a heap as they were dismissed for 198.

Australia had stormed to 60/0 in just seven overs, but proceeded to lose 6/29 in the midst of Maharaj's wizardry.