South Africa stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj has etched his name into the record books during the ongoing first Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe. Maharaj completed 200 wickets in Test cricket, becoming the first South African spinner to reach this milestone in the longest format.
The 35-year-old cricketer stepped in after regular captain Temba Bavuma was ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Maharaj is leading the South Africa national cricket team for the first time. The visiting team won the toss and opted to bat first in the match, which began in Bulawayo on Saturday, June 28.
South Africa declared their innings at the overnight score of 418/9 at the start of Day 2. Debutant Codi Yusuf dismissed Zimbabwe opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano in the opening over with a tame leg-stump delivery that was flicked to midwicket for a soft dismissal.
Kwena Maphaka struggled with consistency and was punished by Brian Bennett. Yusuf picked up his second wicket when Nicholas Welch edged a short, wide ball to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, reducing Zimbabwe to 23/2.
Bennett was hit on the helmet by a rising delivery from Maphaka while attempting a hook shot. The opener was initially cleared to continue but eventually left the field two overs later due to lingering discomfort from the blow.
Keshav Maharaj Claims 200th Test Wicket for South Africa
However, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine steadied the innings with a partnership. They played comfortably against disciplined spells from Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch, who kept things tight but found little assistance from the surface, unlike Zimbabwe's seamers the previous day.
South African captain Keshav Maharaj bowled a short three-over spell before Zimbabwe ended the first session at 94/2. Maharaj picked up his first wicket of the match by dismissing Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine during the second session.
Ervine advanced down the pitch, but Maharaj pulled back the length and got it to dip and spin sharply. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne completed an easy stumping. Ervine was out for 36 off 90 balls, including four boundaries. It was the 200th wicket for Maharaj in Test cricket.
A Monumental Milestone for Our World-Class Left-Arm Spinner - CSA
Cricket South Africa (CSA) took to X (formerly Twitter) to appreciate Keshav Maharaj for becoming the first South African spinner to take 200 wickets in Test cricket. CSA stated that he is etched in South African cricket history with pride and passion.
"HISTORY MADE! ?? Keshav Maharaj claims his 200th Test wicket, the very first South African spinner to reach this milestone ?. A monumental milestone for our world-class left-arm spinner, written into the history books with pride and passion! ??? This one’s for the ages, Kesh! ?? "
HISTORY MADE! ??Keshav Maharaj claims his 200th Test wicket, the very first South African spinner to reach this milestone ?. A monumental milestone for our world-class left-arm spinner, written into the history books with pride and passion! ???This one’s for the ages,… pic.twitter.com/RrIOLOrc8v
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 29, 2025Also read: Dale Steyn ignores India as he reveals his 'second love in cricket' amid ZIM vs SA 1st Test
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