Keshav Maharaj makes history by becoming 2nd SA bowler to take Test hat-trick

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has achieved a new feat as he is now the second Proteas bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Maharaj has joined Geoff Grifin on the elite list. Griffin claimed a hat-trick for South Africa against England in 1960.

Keshav Maharaj took the hat trick against the West Indies at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. The left-arm spinner picked up the wicket of Kieran Powell, Jason Holder, and Joshua Da Silva to help the visitors win the Test series.

Maharaj becomes first South African bowler to take an international hat-trick in 60 years

It should be noted that Keshav Maharaj is the first SA bowler to take an international hat-trick in 60 years. His outstanding deliveries triggered a dreadful collapse for the hosts on Day 4 of the second and final Test match. Owing to Maharaj's historic hat-trick, the West Indies team were reduced to 107 for six in their 2nd innings.

In the first Test, South Africa won the match by an innings and 63 runs. In the second and final Test, the visitors bowled out their hosts for 165 in pursuit of a victory target of 324 on the fourth day. The home team was in the competition at 107 for three when left-arm spinner Maharaj (5-36) claimed the scalp of Kieran Powell (51). Apart from Keshav Maharaj, South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada also picked up crucial wickets of skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, and Kyle Mayers. The duo helped the Proteas remain in the game for a memorable Test series win. 

Talking about Maharaj's international career, he made his Test debut for the Proteas against Australia in 2016. The 31-year-old has so far featured in 36 Test matches in which he has bagged 127 wickets. He has also played eight One Day Internationals for South Africa, picking 10 wickets.

West Indies and South Africa will now face each other in a five-match T20I series, beginning Saturday. Grenada will host five T20 matches between the two teams from June 26 to July 3.

West Indies v South Africa Schedule 

• St Lucia, June 26, 1st T20
• Grenada, June 27, 2nd T20
• Grenada, June 29, 3rd T20
• Grenada, July 1, 4th T20
• Grenada, July 3, 5th T20

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