Maharaj spins into history: breaks Tayfield's record as South Africa’s top Test spinner
The 34-year-old left-arm spinner played a pivotal role in securing the series for South Africa, claiming 13 wickets across both Tests. His match-winning performance in the second Test saw him take three crucial wickets in the final innings, as West Indies were bowled out for 222 while chasing a target of 263.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-08-18T13:05:07+06:00
Updated - 2024-08-18T13:29:05+06:00
Keshav Maharaj etched his name into the annals of South African cricket history by becoming the country's most successful Test spinner, surpassing the legendary Hugh Tayfield's 170 wickets. Maharaj's milestone came during South Africa's emphatic 40-run victory over West Indies in the second Test of the two-match series, held at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
The 34-year-old left-arm spinner played a pivotal role in securing the series for South Africa, claiming 13 wickets across both Tests. His match-winning performance in the second Test saw him take three crucial wickets in the final innings, as West Indies were bowled out for 222 while chasing a target of 263.
South Africa’s win marked their 10th consecutive series victory over West Indies, reinforcing their dominance over the Caribbean side. The first Test in Trinidad was washed out, making the second Test a must-win for both teams. Maharaj rose to the occasion, securing the 'Man of the Series' award for his outstanding bowling throughout the series.
In the decisive second Test, Maharaj’s contribution was critical. After taking 2/8 in the first innings, he backed it up with figures of 3/37 in the second, including the key wickets of Joshua da Silva and Gudakesh Motie, who had put up a resilient 77-run partnership. Maharaj then dismissed Jayden Seales to wrap up the West Indies innings and seal the victory for South Africa.
Maharaj’s performance in this series further solidified his status as South Africa’s premier Test spinner. His 171 wickets in 52 matches now stand as the highest by any South African spinner in the longest format. Remarkably, 22 of his 25 wickets against the West Indies have come in Caribbean conditions, underscoring his effectiveness on foreign soil.
Since making his debut against Australia in Perth in 2016, Maharaj has been a consistent performer for South Africa. Alongside his Test success, he has also represented the Proteas in 44 ODIs and 35 T20Is, taking a total of 90 wickets in white-ball cricket. Additionally, Maharaj’s prowess in franchise cricket has seen him feature for the Barbados Royals in the SA20 league and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
With this series win, South Africa continues to build momentum under their new leadership, while Maharaj’s milestone serves as a reminder of his enduring value to the team. The Proteas will look to carry this form into their future campaigns, with Maharaj’s spin likely to play a crucial role in their success.