Travis Head‘s heroics ensured South Africa stayed below a total of 300 in the first ODI but he couldn’t help Australia to victory in Cairns.

On the last delivery of the 49th over, Wiaan Mulder hit the ball back to Head, who flicked it back to the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

Prenelan Subrayen had his bat in the air as the bail fell off and started walking off before the third umpire confirmed it.

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“Sadly run out at the bowler’s end off the bowler’s hand, the worst demise,” Kerry O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket.

Head finished with 4-57 from his nine overs and the Proteas set a target of 297.

The big score for South Africa came from Aiden Markram at the top with 82 while Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) also recorded half centuries.

Ben Dwarshuis (2-53) and Adam Zampa (1-58) were the other wicket-takers.

In response, Australia started strong with an opening partnership of 60 before Travis Head was gone for 27.

But Keshav Maharaj tore apart the middle order with not a single player from No.3 to No.7 scoring double figures.

The rampaging spinner dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie to leave Australia 6-89.

“That was the most skilful spell I’ve seen in a long time of slow left-arm orthodox spin … I thought he was stunningly good,” O’Keeffe said.

Mitch Marsh scored 88 at the top of the order and gave Australia a fighting chance, partnering with with Dwarshuis for 71 runs.

But when Marsh was gone at 8-174 it was game over and Zampa was the final wicket to fall as Australia was bowled out for 198.

Maharaj’s figures were 5-33.