Veteran South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has stormed back to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, reclaiming the No. 1 spot following a masterclass performance in the opening ODI of the series against Australia in Cairns. Following his dominant outing, Maharaj dethroned Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana to move back to the top in the ODI bowling rankings. Notably, Maharaj last held the top spot back in 2023. He is now ahead of Maheesha Theekshana and Kuldeep Yadav, who are occupying the second and third spots, respectively.
Meanwhile, South African batters Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma also made gains on the back of their half-centuries in the first ODI. Markram jumped four spots up to No. 21 and Temba Bavuma five spots to No. 23.
In the first ODI, Maharaj produced a career-best ODI haul of 5/33, crippling Australia's batting order and swinging momentum in South Africa’s favour. South Africa claimed a commanding 98-run win, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.