South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj has regained the top position in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after helping his team beat Australia by 98 runs in the first ODI of their three-match series in Cairns on Tuesday 19 August.
Man of the match performance
The 35-year-old left-arm spinner, took five for 33 in from his 10 overs to help the Proteas defend 296 and was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Maharaj overtook Kuldeep Yadav and Maheesh Theekshana to the top spot, which he had earlier held briefly in November and December 2023.
Maharaj – fortunate to get the rewards
Speaking at the post match press conference, Maharaj stated he was fortunate to get the results after putting in the hard work.
Ja, it’s always nice. I think you know we train as individuals and as a team and to see it come together is super special. I was very fortunate to get the rewards. I mean I put the balls in the right area but it’s not often that happens but I'm grateful and I’ll take that performance. It’s very nostalgic coming back here and getting my first fiver.
Maharaj – there was more spin later on
Especially with the newer ball. It almost felt like a sort of tackiness reaction of the wicket and then as it went on, the ball got softer and it was negated a little bit but ja, there was probably more spin later towards the innings maybe because of the used wicket sort of condition but ja, it did spin a little bit more.
Rabada ruled out of the series
While the Proteas celebrate their victory and Maharaj’s achievements, they have also been dealt a severe blow. Key fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the series due to inflammation of his right ankle. The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday, 18 August which confirmed the extent of the injury. He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff.
ODI Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Nandre Burger (WSB Western Province), Tony de Zorzi (WSB Western Province), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), and Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).
The 2nd one day international takes place on Friday 22 August in Mackay followed by the 3rd one day international on Sunday 24 August at the same venue.
