Keshav Maharaj on 'Cloud 9' after breaking Proteas record
What's the story
South African left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, picked 9/129 against Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the second Test which, in turn, is a new record for Proteas. The bowler ended with the best figures by a South African player since the country's readmission to international cricket. The previous best record, since the nation's return to Tests, was held by Lance Klusner (8/64) in 1996.
Records
Maharaj joins an elite list
Maharaj also registered the second best bowling figures, for Proteas, in their history of the game. 9 for 113 by Hugh Tayfield, 60 years ago, is still the most impressive figures by a South African. Maharaj also scripted the 19th best performance in Tests. He became the 17th bowler to take nine wickets in a Test innings.
Twitter Post
Take a bow Maharaj!
WICKET. @keshavmaharaj16 gets the last wicket. Take a bow, you beauty! He ends with 41.1-10-129-9, the 2nd best Test bowling figures for South Africa. Herath edges the ball to Elgar and goes for 35. Sri Lanka all out for 338. #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/vzp834rrEs
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 21, 2018
Gone
SA in disarray in the 2nd Test
Despite Maharaj's heroics, South Africa are in disarray in the 2nd Test. They were bowled out for 124 runs after Lanka managed 338/10 in their first innings. The hosts are on top after taking a 300+ run lead against SA. Maharaj is, once again, in play after having picked up two wickets in Lanka's 2nd innings.