Keshav Maharaj made history by becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 wickets in Tests. This incredible record was accomplished during his 59th red-ball Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
During his seventh over, Maharaj took his 200th Test wicket. Craig Ervine was caught off guard by Maharaj’s slower delivery outside the off stump. Ervine was knocked out by the dip and turn, and Kyle Verreynne finished the job behind the stumps.
Most Test wickets by a South African spinner
Overall, Maharaj ranks ninth among South Africa’s leading Test wicket-takers. He was an important part of the Proteas’ title-winning cycle in the just finished 2023-25 World Test Championship, which saw them defeat former champions Australia in the final at Lord’s in London.
Historically, 2017 was Maharaj’s most successful year. He had taken 48 wickets in just 11 games. The orthodox spinner has taken 86 Test wickets at home, with an excellent average of 30.43 on South African surfaces that typically do not provide much for ball turners.
His contribution to his country’s title defence will be important, as the new WTC cycle for 2025-27 has already begun. The Rainbow Nation will play Test series in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where he is expected to take on the role of strike bowler in subcontinental spin-friendly conditions. During those series, he will be relied on heavily because Asian pitches are ideal for spinners.
Speaking of the current Test, Keshav Maharaj finished with three wickets.
Aside from Ervine (36 off 90), he took the wickets of top-scorer Sean Williams (137 off 164) and Tanaka Chivanga (0 off 3). Maharaj allowed 70 runs in 16.4 overs.
India
