South African captain Keshav Maharaj created a landmark moment in cricket by becoming the first Proteas spinner to claim 200 Test wickets. This historic achievement came during the second day of the first Test match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, June 29.
Keshav Maharaj dismissed Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine in the 34th over of the first innings. He bowled a well-flighted delivery that turned sharply, completely deceiving Ervine. “The left-hander looked clueless in his defense while charging back at the bowler.” South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was quick to react, collecting the ball and whipping off the bails in a flash to complete the stumping.
With this wicket, Maharaj reached the milestone in his 59th Test, becoming only the ninth South African bowler to achieve 200 Test wickets. Among Proteas bowlers, Dale Steyn still leads with 439 wickets in 93 Tests. Among spinners, Maharaj now leads, surpassing Hugh Joseph Tayfield, who took 170 wickets in 37 Tests.
Proteas Dominate with Bat and Ball
Maharaj continued his fine performance by helping South Africa restrict Zimbabwe to 251 in their first innings, giving the Proteas a commanding 167-run lead. He ended with figures of 3/70. Wiaan Mulder impressed with four wickets, while debutant Codi Yusuf claimed three.
Despite Zimbabwe’s struggle, Sean Williams stood out with a brilliant knock of 137 from 164 deliveries, striking 16 boundaries. Craig Ervine also added a patient 36 from 90 balls. South Africa had earlier declared their first innings at 418/9. Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorious was the star with a commanding 153 off 160 balls, smashing four sixes and 11 boundaries.
Corbin Bosch also reached a century, remaining unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls. “Dewald Brevis also chipped in with a quickfire 51 off 41 balls, hitting four sixes and three boundaries.” For Zimbabwe, Tanaka Chivanga stood out with figures of 4/83, while Blessing Muzarabani took two wickets.
South Africa Extend Lead in Second Innings
At the time of the latest update, South Africa had started their second innings and were 7/1 after 2.5 overs. They led by 174 runs. “Chivanga provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Matthew Breetzke for one run.” Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder were at the crease, looking to build on South Africa’s already strong position. The Proteas now aim to further increase their lead and press for a victory as the match progresses.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.