The first Test match of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and South Africa is currently being played in Bulawayo. On the second day, the visitors tightened their grip on the game. Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 418 runs on the board. In reply, Zimbabwe could only manage 251 runs in their first innings.
Acting captain Keshav Maharaj played a crucial role in restricting the hosts to a low score, picking up three wickets. With these wickets, he also created history by becoming the first South African spinner to take 200 wickets in Test cricket.
Yes, before Maharaj, eight bowlers had taken 200 or more wickets for South Africa, but all of them were fast bowlers.
Maharaj reached this milestone in the 34th over by dismissing Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine, who was stumped by Kyle Verreynne. The left-arm spinner now has 202 wickets in 59 Test matches, including 11 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul.
The record for the most Test wickets for South Africa is held by Dale Steyn, who took 439 wickets in his career. He is followed by Shaun Pollock with 421 wickets—both being fast bowlers with over 400 wickets.
As for the match, after gaining a first-innings lead of 167 runs, South Africa ended the second day at 49 for 1 in their second innings. With this, the visitors have extended their lead to 216 runs. On Day 3, South Africa will be aiming to stretch their lead beyond 400 and declare the innings early to bowl out Zimbabwe and win the match.
It is worth noting that the Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test series is not a part of the World Test Championship.