Bulawayo, July 1, 2025 —South Africa’s stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first South African spinner to claim 200 Test wickets, during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club.
The landmark wicket came in Keshav Maharaj’s 59th Test, as he dismissed Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine via a sharp stumping, marking his historic 200th scalp. He finished the innings with impressive figures of 3 for 70, also dismissing Sean Williams and another tail‑ender.
This achievement places Keshav Maharaj head and shoulders above previous spin greats like Hugh Tayfield (170 wickets) and Paul Adams (134 wickets), officially crowning him South Africa’s leading spinner in Test cricket.
As a veteran of 59 Tests, Maharaj now joins only eight other Proteas bowlers with 200+ Test wickets—including legends like Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, and Vernon Philander.
His milestone also underscores his role as a captain, guiding the team with authority during this landmark series. The Proteas currently hold a healthy first-innings lead and are pushing for a dominant victory.
Key Highlights:
- 🎯 200th Test wicket in Bulawayo
- 🌀 First ever SA spinner to 200
- 🧤 Dismissed Craig Ervine via stumping
- 🎩 3/70 in the innings
- 📖 Surpassed Tayfield’s spin record
A Record-Breaking Milestone for Keshav Maharaj
With this feat, Keshav Maharaj has now surpassed former South African spin legends like Hugh Tayfield (170 wickets) and Paul Adams (134 wickets), becoming the country’s most successful spinner in Test match history. He is also now among the top 10 all-time South African wicket-takers in Test cricket.
This was Maharaj’s 59th Test appearance for South Africa since making his debut in 2016. His rise to the 200-wicket club is especially notable considering South Africa’s fast-bowler-dominant history and often pace-friendly conditions.
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