NewKerala.com

Key Points

Keshav Maharaj etched his name in history by becoming South Africa's first spinner to claim 200 Test wickets. The Proteas skipper achieved the milestone by outsmarting Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine with a cleverly flighted delivery. His 3-wicket haul helped restrict Zimbabwe despite Sean Williams' gritty century. Maharaj now stands among SA greats like Steyn and Pollock in the elite 200-wicket club.

Key Points: Keshav Maharaj Makes History as First SA Spinner with 200 Test Wickets

  • Maharaj joins Steyn, Pollock in SA's 200-wicket Test club
  • Outfoxed Zimbabwe captain Ervine for milestone wicket
  • Led as captain with 3/70 in first innings
  • Became first SA spinner to achieve historic bowling feat
2 min read

Keshav Maharaj becomes first South African spinner to clinch historic Test feat

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj becomes the first spinner to take 200 Test wickets, joining elite Proteas bowlers in a historic feat against Zimbabwe.

"Maharaj lured Ervine out, deceived him with flight, and sealed his 200th wicket with a stumping – Match Report"

Bulawayo, June 29

Seasoned ball tweaker Keshav Maharaj became the first spinner to scalp 200 Test wickets for South Africa on Sunday.

Maharaj achieved the feat on the second day of South Africa's first Test against Zimbabwe. The 35-year-old Maharaj, who has been assigned the captaincy role for the series, stood triumphant in the battle of skippers.

While up against his counterpart Craig Ervine, Maharaj outfoxed the Zimbabwe captain and made him his 200th Test scalp. While becoming the first spinner to scale 200 wickets in the format for South Africa, he also joined a special club.

Majaraj became the ninth South African to enter the 200 Test wickets club after Dale Steyn (439), Shaun Pollock (421), Makhaya Ntini (390), Kagiso Rabada (336), Allan Donald (330), Morne Morkel (309), Jacques Kallis (291) and Vernon Philander (224).

For his 200th Test scalp, Maharaj lured Ervine to step out of his crease, floated the ball wide outside off, but pulled the length back to allow the ball to grip and turn. Realising that he was in trouble, Ervine lunged towards the ball but failed to make contact and got stumped on 36(90).

After Evine's dismissal, Maharaj returned to remove set batter Sean Williams to turn the tide in his side's favour. He deceived Williams in the air and got him stumped on 137(164).

In his next over, he pulled the curtains down on Zimbabwe's first innings after Kwena Maphaka miscued his shot in the air, which was pouched by Tanaka Chivanga comfortably. Maharaj returned with figures of 3/70 in 16.4 overs after giving away 70 runs at an economy of 4.20.

Apart from Maharaj, Codi Yusuf and Wiaan Mulder shone with the ball. Yusuf struck early and rattled Zimbabwe's top order, and ended the first innings with 3/42. On the other hand, Mulder cleaned up the middle and tail to finish with 4/50 in 16 overs at an economy of 3.10.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As an Indian cricket fan, I really appreciate quality spin bowling. Maharaj's control and variations remind me of our own Ashwin-Jadeja duo. Great to see spinners making history across the world!
A
Aryan P
While this is impressive, let's be honest - most of his wickets came against weaker teams. Would like to see his stats against top teams like India, Australia, England. Still, 200 wickets is no joke!
P
Priyanka N
That dismissal of Ervine was pure class! The way he set him up shows his experience. Reminds me of how Kumble used to trap batsmen. More power to spinners everywhere! 🏏
K
Karan T
Interesting to see SA developing spin talent finally. For too long they relied only on pace. Maybe they can give India some competition in spin department soon! 😄
N
Nisha Z
At 35, he's showing age is just a number! His fitness levels are amazing. Indian spinners should take note - longevity in cricket needs both skill and fitness.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50