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AUS vs SA 2025: Keshav Maharaj (Source: X/Proteas Men)

Australia has historically favoured pacers more than spinners. The narrative stays the same when it comes to ODIs as pacers have found their way more often than not. Fielding more than one frontline spinner in a lineup in ODIs in Australia is seen as a risky move.

However, there have been moments when spinners have defied the norm. There have been three instances when spinners have ended up taking more than 10 wickets in an ODI match in Australia, showing the impact they can make even on tracks which not been conducive for spin bowling.

3 rare instances where spinners took more than 10 wickets in a single ODI in Australia (as of August 2025) 3. Australia vs Pakistan - 12 wickets (Adelaide, 1996) AUS vs PAK 1996: Saqlain Mushtaq (Source: X)

Pakistan were bundled out for 223 in 49.5 overs in the Adelaide ODI in 1966. There was no substantial partnership other than the 102 runs added for the second wicket by Aamer Sohail (67 off 96) and Mohammad Wasim (44 off 86). Shane Warne (4/52 in 9.5 overs) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Michael Bevan's wrist-spin contributed two wickets.

However, the hosts were all-out for 211 in response as Saqlain Mushtaq spun a web around the opposition, ending up with his second five-wicket haul in ODIs (5/29 in 8.5 overs). He was also the most economical bowler across both sides. Afridi was amongst the wickets too, picking up a wicket in his 10 overs.      

2. Australia vs Pakistan - 11 wickets (Sydney, 1997) AUS vs PAK 1997: Shane Warne (Source: X)

The Aussies were bowled out for a low score in the first innings in the Sydney ODI in 1997, unlike the previous instance. Saqlain, similar to his previous appearance against Australia, starred with the ball, ending up with figures of 3/23 in 7.1 overs, including a couple of maiden overs. Mushtaq Ahmed and Afridi picked up a wicket apiece.

Shane Warne, who had contributed 11 off 20 with the bat, tried his level best but his 4/37 was not enough stop Pakistan as they claimed a four-wicket victory with 27 balls to spare. Warne bagged the Player of the Match accolade for his all-round performance. Stuart Law, the eighth bowler to be introduced into the attack, ended up securing two wickets as well.

1. Australia vs South Africa - 11 wickets (Cairns, 2025)  AUS vs SA 2025: Keshav Maharaj (Source: X/Proteas Men)

Three half-centuries from South Africa's top-four batters led them to a competitive 296/8 after they were put in to bat first in Cairns. Travis Head was surprisingly the standout bowler for the hosts, securing four wickets for 57 runs in nine overs. Adam Zampa picked up a wicket as well.

Some exceptional bowling from Keshav Maharaj, who claimed the wickets of Australia's Nos. 3 to 7, left the Mitchell Marsh-led team reeling at 89/6 in the 17th over. It was not to be despite a lone battle waged by Marsh (88 off 96), as his team endured a heavy defeat. Prenelan Subrayen picked up a wicket on his ODI debut. 

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