ZIM vs SA 2025: Keshav Maharaj becomes first South African spinner to claim 200 Test wickets
Maharaj brought up this milestone in his 59th Test.
4 Min Read
Keshav Maharaj scripted history by becoming the first South African spinner to get to 200 wickets in Tests. This amazing feat was attained by him during the ongoing Test, his 59th red-ball game, against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
It was during Maharaj's seventh over when he claimed his 200th Test wicket. Craig Ervine was outsmarted by a delivery which was floated a tad bit slower by Maharaj outside the off stump. The dip and turn did Ervine in, and Kyle Verreynne did the rest behind the stumps.
Most Test wickets by a South African spinner
| Player | Matches | Innings | Wickets |
| Keshav Maharaj | 59 | 99 | 202* |
| Hugh Tayfield | 37 | 60 | 170 |
| Paul Adams | 45 | 76 | 134 |
| Paul Harris | 37 | 63 | 103 |
| Nicky Boje | 43 | 72 | 100 |
*as of June 29, 2025
Overall, Maharaj stands ninth on the list of leading wicket-takers in Tests for South Africa. He was a critical component of the Proteas' title-winning cycle in the recently-concluded 2023-25 edition of the World Test Championship, where they beat previous champions Australia in the finals at Lord's in London.
Historically speaking, 2017 was Maharaj's most successful year. He had registered 48 wickets in only 11 games. The orthodox spinner has scalped a total of 86 Test wickets in home conditions at an impressive average of 30.43 on South African decks, which usually don't offer a lot for the turners of the ball.
His role in his nation's title defence will be critical as the new WTC cycle for the 2025-27 has already commenced. The Rainbow Nation will play Test series in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where he will be expected to don the hat of the strike bowler in subcontinental spin-friendly conditions. A lot will rest on his back during those series, as Asian pitches are a haven for spinners.
Tons from Pretorius, Bosch help SA finish strong on Day 1
Speaking of the current Test, Maharaj ended up with a three-wicket haul to his name. Other than Ervine (36 off 90), he scalped the wickets of top-scorer, Sean Williams (137 off 164), and Tanaka Chivanga (zero off three). Maharaj conceded 70 runs in 16.4 overs.
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