South Africa left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj rose two spots on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) ODI bowler rankings and became the top-ranked bowler in the format on Wednesday. This came after the 36-year-old bowled a magical spell against Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series and recorded figures of 5/33 in his 10-over spell.
Maharaj went above Kuldeep and Theekshana
Maharaj pipped down India's Kuldeep Yadav and Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana on the Rankings to regain his spot as the No.1 ODI bowler in the world. He currently has 687 rating points under his name and will be looking to maintain his spot at the top by performing well in South Africa's upcoming ODIs as well.
Meanwhile, Maharaj played a massive role in South Africa's victory over Australia in the first ODI. Earlier, the Proteas had set up a big target of 297 for the Baggy Greens to achieve after fifties from Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke saw them post a total of 296/8 in 50 overs. The Aussies started strong with openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head forming a valiant 60-run stand. However, things started to go downhill for the hosts after the latter lost his wicket for 27 in the 8th over.
Maharaj opened his account with the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in the ninth over. He ended up taking the wicket of Cameron Green in his very next over before dismissing both Josh Inglis and Alex Carey when he took the ball next time. The left-arm spinner went on to clicnh his fifer with the wicket of Aaron Hardie in the 17th over which left Australia reeling at 89/6.
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Though he didn't pick any more scalps in the rest of his overs, Maharaj remained economial and continued causing problems for the opposing batters for the remainder of his spell. Australia were never able to fully recover from Maharaj's sensational bowling display and eventually got bundled out for 198, losing the match comprehensively by 98 runs. They will now be looking to make a turnaround in the series when they face South Africa for the second ODI on August 22.