Record! Keshav Maharaj becomes first SA spinner to reach massive milestone

Keshav Maharaj has added a significant feather to his cap as South Africa tighten their grip over Zimbabwe in the ongoing Test. Standing in for injured regular captain Temba Bavuma, Maharaj has not only led the Proteas with composure but also reached a historic personal milestone with the ball. After posting an imposing 418/9 declared on Day 2, South Africa bowled Zimbabwe out for 251, securing a first-innings lead of 167 runs. The standout resistance for Zimbabwe came from veteran Sean Williams, who fought hard with a superb 137 off 164 balls. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to offer meaningful support. Maharaj, South Africa’s premier left-arm spinner, claimed 3 wickets in the innings, becoming the country’s highest wicket-taking spinner in Test cricket.

With this performance, the 34-year-old moved to 202 Test wickets—an achievement that sees him surpass Paul Adams (134) and Hugh Tayfield (170) to top the list among South African spinners. Maharaj made his Test debut in 2016 and has been a key figure in South Africa’s bowling attack ever since.He reached the milestone in his 59th Test appearance. Throughout his career, he has registered 11 five-wicket hauls and has taken four wickets in an innings on six occasions.

South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test history is Dale Steyn, who picked up 439 wickets in 93 matches at an outstanding average of 22.95. He is followed by Shaun Pollock with 421 wickets and Makhaya Ntini with 390. Though he was South Africa’s most expensive bowler in the ongoing Test, going for 70 runs in 16.4 overs—Maharaj has consistently picked up crucial wickets in pressure situations.

One of his key scalps against Zimbabwe came through a smart piece of bowling. He lured Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine with a wide delivery, with Kyle Verreynne completing a sharp stumping to send the skipper back for just 17.