Aiden Markram hits unbeaten century as Proteas keep ODI series alive

By Nasri Alexander
12th September 2023

Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten century while spin twins Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi provided the bowling spark to help the Proteas beat Australia by 111 runs in the third ODI in Potchefstroom.

The victory sees the hosts remain in contention to win the 50-over five-match series after two disappointing defeats in Bloemfontein.

The Proteas were put into bat by visiting captain Mitch Marsh and amassed a total of 336-6 with Markram stroking 102 not out off 74 balls before bowling the visitors out for 227 to wrap up the contest.

The Proteas had spoken before the game about returning to basics and upping the intensity and openers Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma provided the perfect platform, putting on 146 inside 23 overs.

De Kock scored 82 off 77 balls while captain Bavuma continued his good form in the series, hitting 57 off 62 deliveries.

Both openers however fell in quick succession when Marsh introduced the part-time spin of Travis Head and debutant slow-bowler Tanveer Sangha into the attack.

Markram then combined with Reeza Hendicks (39) for a 76-run stand before the latter was run-out with a direct-hit from Marnus Labuschagne.

Heinrich Klaasen (0) and David Miller (8) fell cheaply before Marco Jansen provided some impetus into the innings with a 16-ball 32.

Markram was continuing to accumulate at the other end and accelerated towards the end and reached his second ton in the format after hitting the final ball of the innings for a boundary.

Australia's opening pair of David Warner and Head (38 off 24) started rapidly in pursuit of the target, adding 79 inside eight overs.

The tourists were cruising on 140-1 after 15 overs before wrist-spinner Shamsi got rid of skipper Marsh and Warner was unfortunately run-out after slipping for 78.

The procession of wickets then continued as Australia's batters failed to deal with Maharaj and Shamsi, the former taking 2-37 while the latter finished with 2-29.

The Proteas will look to level the series in the fourth ODI that takes place in Centurion on Friday before the series wraps up at the Wanderers on Sunday.