ZIM vs SA 2025: Keshav Maharaj Creates History as First South African Spinner to Claim 200 Test Wickets

On day two in Bulawayo, South Africa's acting captain Keshav Maharaj achieved a historic milestone while captaining his team in the first of their two-match Test series in Zimbabwe: 200 Test wickets. Thus, Maharaj solidifies his position as the top spinner in his nation's legendary Test history by being the first South African to attain the 200-wicket milestone.

Maharaj took his 200th Test wicket in the eighth over of the match. Outside the off stump, Maharaj floated a slightly slower delivery than Craig Ervine, outwitting him. Ervine made the turn and dip, and Kyle Verreynne completed the remaining work behind the stumps. He accomplished this incredible feat at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo during the current Test match, which is his 59th red-ball match against Zimbabwe.

Keshav Maharaj Joins Elite Feat:

Maharaj is now ranked tenth overall among South Africa's top wicket-takers in Test matches. He played a key role in the Proteas' run of victories in the just-finished 2023–25 World Test Championship, where they defeated reigning champions Australia in the London finals at Lord's. In the past, Maharaj's most prosperous year was 2017. In just 11 games, he had taken 48 wickets. On South African decks, which typically don't provide much for ball turners, the orthodox spinner has taken 86 Test wickets at home at an outstanding average of 30.43.

HISTORY MADE! 🙌🔥

Keshav Maharaj claims his 200th Test wicket, the very first South African spinner to reach this milestone 🏏.

A monumental milestone for our world-class left-arm spinner, written into the history books with pride and passion! 🇿🇦💪

This one’s for the ages,… pic.twitter.com/RrIOLOrc8v

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 29, 2025

After South Africa defeated Australia at Lord's, the 35-year-old, who has now played in 59 Test matches and was a member of the World Test Championship-winning squad, was visibly distraught. Maharaj has the opportunity to commemorate this milestone by taking over a modified team in Zimbabwe while Temba Bavuma recovers from his injury he received after the final.

Before taking the final wicket to give Zimbabwe a 167-run advantage in the first innings, he took statistics of 3-70 in the innings, including the vital wickets of Ervine and another seasoned left-hander, Sean Williams. Wiaan Mulder, who took four wickets of his own, and debutant Codi Yusuf, who began the bowling and got three wickets, helped him.

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