Keshav Maharaj finished as the highest wicket-taker in the rain-affected first Test match between South Africa and the West Indies that ended in a draw at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Monday.
Maharaj, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, picked up a match haul of 8/164 to keep the Proteas in the hunt before both teams agreed to a draw on the final day with close to seven overs of play remaining.
Batting first, the Proteas posted a spirited 357, aided by half-centuries from opener Tony de Zorzi and captain Temba Bavuma. Maharaj’s 4/76 with the ball restricted the West Indies to 233.
Though South Africa posted a quickfire 173/3 in the second innings to force a result, setting a target of 298, the home side survived another brilliant spell from Maharaj (4/88) to hold on to 201/5 and eked out a draw.
“I pride myself on playing Test cricket. I always relish a chance to bowl and conditions suited me. I tried to keep repeating the process and keep things simple,” Maharaj said during the post-match presentation ceremony, after winning the Player of the Match award.
Earlier during the first innings, the left-arm spinner went through the defence of opener Mikyle Louis in his eighth over with the score reading 53. Maharaj picked up two more wickets as Keacy Carty was trapped in front for 42 and Alick Athanaze edged to Aiden Markram.
Just as the West Indies were looking to fight their way back Maharaj picked up his fourth in Joshua da Silva, who was caught at mid-on, and soon the Proteas got a vital lead of 124.
Opening the bowling in the second innings, Maharaj struck with the third ball to dismiss Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck, outfoxing the West Indies skipper who was caught at deep cover.
Though Maharaj dismissed the pair of Keacy Carty and Alick Athanaze for a second time in the match, along with Kavem Hodge, the home team held on to end proceedings at 201/5.
Keshav Maharaj has now moved to 166 wickets and is just five short of becoming the most successful spinner for South Africa in Test Cricket.
The second and final Test of the two-match 2024 series is slated to be played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana from August 15.
