Markram and Bavuma steer Proteas to record total in Cairns at lunch of first ODI

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