South Africa’s stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj scripted history in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo by reaching the milestone of 200 Test wickets. The milestone was achieved on the second day of the match when he bowled out Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine. Through this, Maharaj is the first South African spinner to ever take 200 wickets in the longest form of the game.
South Africa’s Greatest Test Spinner
Maharaj is now by himself at the pinnacle among South African spinners in Test wickets, having overcome the record of 170 wickets held for so long by Hugh Tayfield in the previous World Test Championship cycle. As someone who has been South Africa’s primary spin option within the country and abroad, particularly in subcontinental climates, Maharaj has solidified his status as the country’s greatest spinner in Test cricket.
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Leadership When Bavuma Is Not There
With frequent captain Temba Bavuma out of action because of an injury he sustained during the WTC final, Maharaj was entrusted with the leadership of the Zimbabwe series. The 35-year-old experienced left-arm spinner seized the moment, leading a reshuffled team with composure and contributing equally as a bowler and a captain.
Domination By Maharaj With The Bowl In Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe’s first innings, Maharaj had a game-changing performance with the ball, ending with 3/70. He dismissed experienced campaigner Craig Ervine and Sean Williams before rounding off the innings with the last wicket, taking South Africa to a convincing 167-run first-innings advantage. The other top bowlers were debutant Codi Yusuf, who dismissed three with the new ball, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who claimed four.
Contributions With The Bat
South Africa’s run-up was laid by rookie Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored a century that will be remembered for a long time, and a calm ton by Corbin Bosch late on. Maharaj also contributed 21 runs in a handy contribution as the team toted up to 418/9 before declaring late in the first day.
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A Place Among South Africa’s Bowling Elite
With his current record standing at 202 wickets in 59 Tests at 29.62, Maharaj has impressive figures, particularly for a spinner from a speed-favouring cricket nation. He now stands ninth among South Africa’s top all-time wicket-takers in Tests. If he is in the form he is now, he is likely to break Vernon Philander’s record of 224 wickets.
