South Africa celebrated a resounding 40-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test in Georgetown, Guyana, on Saturday. The Proteas clinched the series win within three days, securing their 10th consecutive series triumph against the Windies. This victory was powered by a remarkable performance from Keshav Maharaj, who achieved a historic feat by becoming South Africa’s highest wicket-taking spin bowler in Test cricket.
Maharaj’s three-wicket spell in the second innings, finishing with figures of 3 for 37, propelled South Africa to victory. He surpassed the legendary Hugh Tayfield’s record of 170 Test wickets, establishing a new benchmark for South African spinners. The victory also saw Maharaj awarded the ‘Man of the Series’ for his outstanding contribution throughout the series.
The West Indies, despite a valiant effort, fell short of their target of 263 runs to win. They started the chase with ample time, but early wickets hampered their progress. Opener Mikyle Louis was dismissed for just four runs, caught by Wiaan Mulder off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, after a promising partnership with Keacy Carty for the second wicket, fell for 42 runs.
The Windies found themselves in a precarious position at 104 for 6 wickets, facing a mountain of runs to chase. Although Joshua da Silva and Gudakesh Motie put together a crucial 77-run partnership, bringing the target down to 82, Motie’s dismissal for his highest Test score of 45 runs by Maharaj shifted the momentum back in South Africa’s favor. Da Silva, trapped lbw by Maharaj for 27 runs, and Shamar Joseph, dismissed by a spectacular catch from Temba Bavuma, further dented West Indies’ hopes.
Maharaj then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales, caught by David Bedingham. Seales, despite his best efforts, managed to take 6 for 61 runs in the first innings, but his heroics were not enough to salvage the match for the West Indies.
Another notable performance came from fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who also picked up three wickets in the second innings. He is now just one wicket away from reaching the coveted 300-wicket mark in Test cricket. South Africa’s victory was a testament to their collective strength and determination, with Maharaj’s historic achievement serving as the cherry on top. The series win against the West Indies further solidified South Africa’s dominance in the format.
