A Game of Momentum Swings, with South Africa Landing the Final Blow

The first ODI was a game of dramatic momentum swings, but it was South Africa who landed the final, decisive blow to claim a 98-run victory. Australia enjoyed periods of dominance, but their opponents won the key moments that mattered most.
Initially, momentum was with South Africa as their openers built a 92-run stand. Australia wrestled it back briefly through Travis Head, whose four wickets, including three in an over, stalled the Proteas’ charge. However, a late cameo from Wiaan Mulder swung it back to the visitors at the innings break.
Australia seized the momentum again at the start of their chase, cruising to 0-60. But the biggest swing was yet to come. Keshav Maharaj’s introduction triggered a collapse of 6-29, a devastating shift from which Australia could not recover.
Mitch Marsh’s counter-attacking 88 was a final, desperate attempt to turn the tide, but it was too little, too late. South Africa’s ability to land the knockout punch after absorbing pressure was the defining feature of their win.