Stand-in South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj etched his name in the record books on Sunday by becoming the first Proteas spinner to claim 200 wickets in Test cricket. Maharaj reached the landmark on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, dismissing home skipper Craig Ervine to achieve the feat.
The 35-year-old is now the ninth South African bowler overall to reach the 200-wicket milestone. He accomplished this in his 59th Test match, having taken 11 five-wicket hauls and six four-wicket hauls over the course of his career.
South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker remains Dale Steyn with 439 wickets in 93 matches, followed by Shaun Pollock (421) and Makhaya Ntini (390).
Maharaj is leading the national side for the first time in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the match, which began on Saturday.
The visitors posted a commanding 418/6 before declaring their first innings, bolstered by a stunning century from 19-year-old Luan Pretorius. The young prodigy scored 153 off just 160 deliveries, becoming the youngest South African to hit a Test century at 19 years and 93 days. His knock featured 11 boundaries and 4 sixes.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch added further strength to the innings with a well-compiled century off 124 balls, while debutant Dewald Brevis made an immediate impact with a quickfire 51 from 41 deliveries.
The Proteas’ dominant batting performance, coupled with Maharaj’s historic bowling achievement, has set the tone for a strong showing in the series opener.
