South Africa’s acting Test skipper Keshav Maharaj has made history by becoming the first South African spinner to take 200 wickets in Test cricket. The record-breaking feat was achieved on the second day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe at Queen’s Cricket Ground.
Keshav Maharaj Reaches 200-Test Wicket Milestone
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The left-arm spinner picked up his 200th Test wicket when he dismissed Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine in the 34th over of the innings, beautifully stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Maharaj went on to finish with figures of 3/70, playing a pivotal role in skittling Zimbabwe out for 251 in their first innings.
Since he entered Test cricket in 2016, playing Australia at the WACA in Perth, Keshav Maharaj has been South Africa’s most successful spinner in the format. Having taken 202 wickets in 59 games, along with 11 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul, Maharaj has passed legendary off-spinner Hugh Tayfield’s record of 170 wickets.
A Proven Performer Beyond International Cricket
In addition to his Test success, Keshav Maharaj has a world-class domestic record of 631 wickets at a First-Class level over 166 games. His consistency and durability have him recognized as one of the leading individuals inside the bowling unit in South African cricket and especially in spin-friendly conditions.
South Africa Dominates Day 2 in Zimbabwe Test
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South Africa maintained their impressive performance in the opening Test by posting their lead over Zimbabwe at 216 runs at the end of Day 2 stumps. The Proteas had previously declared their first innings for 418/9, thanks to a breathtaking century scored by 19-year-old Luan Pretorius, who blasted 153 from 160 balls. He was ably assisted by Corbin Bosch, who made an excellent 100 off 124 balls.
Sean Williams Battles Back for Zimbabwe
Despite South Africa’s dominance, Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams showed great resistance with a superb knock of 136, single-handedly holding the innings together as no other batter crossed 40. His contribution made up more than half of Zimbabwe’s total.
Brief Scores – South Africa vs Zimbabwe, Day 2
South Africa: 418/9 declared & 49/1 (Wiaan Mulder 25*, Tony de Zorzi 22*; Tanaka Chivanga 1/18)
Zimbabwe: 251 all out (Sean Williams 136, Craig Ervine 36; Wiaan Mulder 4/50, Keshav Maharaj 3/70, Codi Yusuf 3/42)
South Africa Take Control by 216 Runs at Stumps on Day 2
Keshav Maharaj’s 200-wicket landmark is a historical feat not only for the cricketer but also for South African cricket, which has never been spin-dependent. His rise from debutant to record-breaker speaks volumes about his greatness and reliability as a spinner in contemporary times.
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