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Keshav Maharaj claims South Africa’s best Test figures since readmission
Keshav Maharaj’s nine wicket spree against Sri Lanka was South Africa’s best in an innings since the country’s post-apartheid return to Test cricket in 1991.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj claimed the best Test innings figures by a South African bowler since the country’s readmission to international cricket in the second match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club grounds on Saturday.
Maharaj finished with nine for 129 from 41.1 overs as Sri Lanka posted 338 runs in its first innings.
The 28-year-old, who claimed eight wickets on the first day’s play, dismissed Sri Lanka’s last man Rangana Herath on day two to establish the new record.
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The previous best bowling analysis by a South African since the country’s return to test cricket in 1992 was Lance Klusener’s eight for 64 against India in Calcutta in 1996.
In South Africa’s complete cricket history, Maharaj’s figures are behind only Hugh Tayfield’s nine for 113 against England in Johannesburg more than 60 years ago.
Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0, having won the first Test in Galle by 278 runs, and only need a draw to clinch the series. South Africa has not lost a series to Sri Lanka since 2006.
