Keshav Maharaj creates history with 200th Test wicket, first for Proteas spinner

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New Delhi: South Africa’s Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj etched his name in the country’s cricket history as he became the first Proteas spinner to claim 200 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone on the second day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, a moment Maharaj will cherish as he continues to lead the spin attack with quiet authority.

The 35-year-old reached the landmark in fitting style as he dismissed Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine to complete his 200th Test wicket. The left-arm spinner often shouldered the responsibility as South Africa’s sole spinner at home and as the attack leader on turning tracks abroad. With this new record accomplished, he further strengthens his position as the most successful spinner in the nation’s Test cricket history.

Maharaj leads from the front

Maharaj stepped in as captain as Temba Bavuma is sidelined due to injury. He took the field with added responsibility and delivered when it mattered most. He finished Zimbabwe’s first innings with figures of 3 for 70, removing key batters including Ervine and Sean Williams before sealing the innings with the final wicket. His effort helped South Africa secure a significant 167-run lead.

Maharaj was well supported by debutant Codi Yusuf who impressed with three wickets on debut and Wiaan Mulder, who chipped in with four wickets to ensure South Africa remained in control of the contest.

Before shining with the ball, Maharaj made a handy contribution with the bat scoring a useful 21 lower down the order to push South Africa to a commanding 418 for 9 declared on the first day. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius marked his arrival with a debut century while Corbin Bosch added valuable runs down the order to ensure the Proteas posted a strong first-innings total.

Eyes on more milestones

With 202 wickets now to his name in 59 Tests at an average of 29.62, Maharaj has not only established himself as the leading South African spinner in Test history but also moved up to ninth on the country’s all-time wicket-takers list. He now sets his sights on surpassing Vernon Philander’s tally of 224 wickets as the year progresses.

Maharaj has also been a part of the World Test Championship-winning squad. Over the years, his journey has been one of consistency and quiet leadership both on and off the field. His milestone in Bulawayo stands as a testament to his dedication and the critical role he continues to play in Proteas’ red-ball plans.