Cricket

South Africa's relentless bowling attack, led by Keshav Maharaj's five-wicket haul, propelled them to a historic Test victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram. The Proteas secured an innings and 273-run triumph, their largest ever in Test cricket, completing a 2-0 series sweep.Bangladesh's batting woes continued as they were dismissed for a paltry 143 in their second innings, failing to overcome a massive 416-run deficit. Maharaj's left-arm spin proved lethal, claiming 5-59, while Kagiso Rabada's pace had earlier decimated the hosts with 5-37 in the first innings.The Proteas' dominance was evident from the outset, with Rabada striking twice in quick succession to reduce Bangladesh to 48-8. Mominul Haque's valiant 82 provided a brief respite, but Maharaj's dismissal of the opener for a duck in the second innings extinguished any hopes of a comeback.Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh's experienced campaigners, failed to deliver, falling cheaply to Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy, respectively. Najmul Hossain Shanto's dismissal by Muthusamy left the hosts reeling at 78-7.Hasan Mahmud's late resistance, including four sixes, delayed the inevitable, but Maharaj sealed the match by dismissing Nahid Rana for a duck. Muthusamy also impressed with 4-45 in the second innings, completing a comprehensive bowling performance for South Africa."We had some special performances that got us into strong positions," said stand-in captain Aiden Markram. "It's a proud moment for us, and one we'll reflect on as a special team."Bangladesh skipper Najmul acknowledged their batting struggles, stating, "If the top order doesn't contribute well, this is the kind of result we'll get."South Africa's victory was built on the foundation of three maiden Test centuries in their first innings: Tony De Zorzi (177), Tristan Stubbs (106), and Wiaan Mulder (105 not out). The Proteas' dominance extended to the bowling department, with Rabada and Maharaj leading the charge.Bangladesh's inability to match South Africa's batting and bowling prowess resulted in their 16th consecutive Test defeat against the Proteas. The series sweep highlights the gulf in quality between the two sides and serves as a wake-up call for Bangladesh to address their batting deficiencies.

Keshav Maharaj, the South African left-arm spinner, has credited Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal for providing valuable advice that has helped him excel in the ongoing Test match in Dhaka. Maharaj has taken six wickets so far, bowling with precision and exploiting the conditions that have favored both seamers and spinners.Maharaj reached out to Tamim, his former teammate at Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), for insights into the Dhaka pitch. Tamim's guidance proved accurate, as Maharaj noted, "He read the wicket to the tee."Maharaj's performance on the third day was particularly impressive, as he bowled 37 overs and took three wickets for 105 runs. He played a crucial role in keeping the pressure on Bangladesh's batters, both in tandem with Kagiso Rabada and as the primary threat later in the innings.Maharaj's versatility allows him to adapt to different match situations. He can both create opportunities and hold up an end, as he did when Rabada was bowling aggressively. When the ball started to spin, Maharaj posed a greater threat, breaking a crucial partnership and dismissing Jaker Ali.Maharaj praised the resilience of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, who put up a strong rearguard action for Bangladesh. He acknowledged that South Africa struggled to break the partnership for an extended period."We threw everything at them, and I don't think it was a case of us taking our foot off the gas. I think they played really well, and you must give credit towards the batters in that situation," Maharaj said.Maharaj's performance has been a key factor in South Africa's strong position in the match. They need just three more wickets to bowl out Bangladesh in their second innings and secure a victory.

Barbados Royals Bolstered by Full-Strength Squad for Home Leg of CPL 2024Rovman Powell's Barbados Royals, one of two unbeaten teams in CPL 2024, will field a full-strength squad for their home leg, which commences on September 11 against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Bridgetown.The Royals have been bolstered by the return of South African duo David Miller and Keshav Maharaj, who were rested for South Africa's upcoming tour of the UAE. Miller, who captained Paarl Royals in the SA20, and Maharaj, who has represented Royals in the IPL, bring a wealth of franchise T20 experience to the side.Batter Alick Athanaze has also recovered from a finger injury that sidelined him for the Royals' game against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots last week. With Maharaj's return, Sri Lankan allrounder Dunith Wellalage, who was signed as a replacement player, has returned home.Shamarh Brooks, who was initially selected as a temporary replacement for Miller, will remain with the squad as cover."We've got David Miller and Kesh Maharaj, and we've got our full complement of five overseas players," said Royals head coach Trevor Penney. "It will definitely be a different team and will be a good headache to have with some of the youngsters that have come in and played really well as well."The Royals have secured contrasting wins in contrasting conditions so far in CPL 2024. They overhauled 146 with plenty to spare on a North Sound pitch that got better for batting, while they scrapped to victory with just one ball to spare on a used Basseterre surface.Despite some rain in the lead-up to their home leg, Royals captain Powell suggested that it has not affected their preparation. "The practice wickets were good and the guys told me that the wickets in the middle are good," Powell said.Powell hopes that the experience of their overseas players will serve them well. "A lot of the guys have been playing franchise cricket around the world," Powell said. "These training sessions are just top-ups - just to get some blood flowing, hit a few balls in the middle and as a bowling group see if we can correct a few errors that we have made in the past few games."Maharaj will slot into Wellalage's role and will work with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who has the best economy rate among all bowlers who have bowled at least 24 balls this CPL. With the pitches expected to slow down further, Powell spoke about the impact the spinners could have on the tournament."Bowlers win tournaments and batters win games," Powell said. "I think we have a pretty good overseas spin department and that is very, very important. In the Caribbean, quality spinners sometimes become difficult to bat [against]."

South Africa's spin wizard Keshav Maharaj etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming his country's most successful spin bowler during the second Test against West Indies in Georgetown. Maharaj's three-wicket haul in the second innings propelled South Africa to a 40-run victory, completing a 10-match winning streak against the Windies.The Proteas resumed the final day with a commanding 239-run lead, but the West Indies bowlers, led by the impressive Jayden Seales, fought back to dismiss the tailenders for just 22 runs. Seales' six-wicket haul was a testament to his skill and determination, but it was not enough to prevent South Africa from setting a challenging target of 263.The West Indies chase began with a setback as opener Mikyle Louis was dismissed cheaply. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty steadied the ship with a 42-run partnership, but the loss of Brathwaite triggered a collapse. Jason Holder's dismissal without scoring left the Windies reeling at 104-6.However, Joshua da Silva and Gudakesh Motie provided a glimmer of hope with a 77-run partnership that reduced the target to 82. Maharaj broke the stand by trapping Motie lbw for 45, and the Windies' hopes dwindled further when da Silva was also dismissed lbw for 27.With the pressure mounting, Shamar Joseph was caught by Temba Bavuma, and Maharaj completed the victory by having Seales caught by David Bedingham. Maharaj's match figures of 3-37 surpassed Hugh Tayfield's tally of 170 Test wickets, making him the most successful South African spin bowler of all time.Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who also took three wickets in the second innings, is now just one wicket away from becoming the second South African bowler to reach 300 Test wickets.South Africa's victory in Georgetown was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of their bowling attack. Maharaj's historic achievement is a fitting tribute to his skill and dedication, and it will undoubtedly inspire future generations of South African spinners.

South Africa's relentless bowling attack and Keshav Maharaj's record-breaking performance propelled them to a hard-fought 40-run victory over West Indies in Guyana, securing their 10th consecutive Test series win against the Caribbean side.Maharaj, South Africa's leading spinner, claimed five wickets in the match and 13 in the series, surpassing the previous record of 170 wickets held by Hugh Tayfield. His exceptional bowling, coupled with Jayden Seales' career-best 6 for 61 in South Africa's second innings, highlighted the dominance of bowlers throughout the series.Despite a challenging surface for batters, South Africa managed to post a competitive 246 in their second innings, thanks to half-centuries from Kyle Verreynne and Aiden Markram. The 63-run tenth-wicket partnership between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger in the first innings also proved crucial in setting a challenging target of 263 for West Indies.West Indies' chase began promisingly, but they collapsed to 104 for 6 before a 77-run stand between Gudakesh Motie and Joshua da Silva reignited their hopes. However, Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's most reliable bowlers, stepped up to deny the hosts a historic victory.The series was characterized by tough batting conditions, with no centuries scored across the two matches. West Indies struggled to form substantial partnerships in their second innings, while South Africa managed three half-century stands.Overall, the series showcased the resilience and skill of both teams' bowling attacks, who exploited the challenging conditions to their advantage. South Africa's victory not only extended their dominance over West Indies but also earned them valuable points in the World Test Championship 2023-25.

Keshav Maharaj, South Africa's premier spinner, embodies the unwavering passion and dedication that drives his exceptional performances on the cricket field. His love for spin bowling knows no bounds, as he would gladly start a spell even in the dead of night.In the recently concluded first Test against West Indies in Trinidad, Maharaj showcased his remarkable endurance by bowling 40 overs in the first innings, the second-longest spell by a bowler in men's Test cricket since 2001. Despite the absence of a second specialist spinner in the South African XI, Maharaj embraced the challenge, having prepared diligently for such a workload during the preceding months of white-ball cricket.Maharaj's unwavering commitment to his craft extends beyond the physical demands of bowling. He meticulously maintains his workload, regardless of the format, ensuring that he is always ready for the rigors of Test cricket. His consistency and ability to bowl for extended periods are a testament to his dedication and unwavering desire to contribute to his team's success.On the docile pitch in Trinidad, Maharaj's discipline proved crucial in South Africa's 124-run first innings lead. However, the constant rainfall throughout the match hindered the wicket's deterioration, making it more favorable for batting. Despite the challenging conditions, Maharaj remained optimistic, believing that the wicket would have become more spinner-friendly had the rain not interrupted play.Despite opting for an XI with only Maharaj as a frontline spinner, South Africa's decision proved to be sound. Aiden Markram's exceptional performance as the fourth bowler created opportunities and sparked a West Indian collapse, setting the stage for South Africa to push for a win.However, the match ultimately ended in a draw, leaving Maharaj and his teammates disappointed. South Africa's limited schedule in the current World Test Championship cycle means that they must strive to win every remaining match to enhance their chances of reaching the final.Maharaj remains undeterred, vowing to continue bowling his best ball and being a "wily old character" on the field. His unwavering passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to his teammates and a testament to the enduring spirit of Test cricket.

Keshav Maharaj's masterful spin bowling has propelled South Africa into a commanding position in the first Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval. Maharaj's unwavering accuracy and guile earned him three crucial wickets, leaving the hosts reeling at 145/4 at the end of a rain-marred third day.Maharaj's impressive figures of 3-45 from 28 probing overs underscore his growing importance to a South African team traditionally known for its fast bowlers. On a surface that tested the patience and technique of both batsmen and bowlers, the left-arm spinner skillfully exploited the conditions, claiming the key wickets of Mikyle Louis, debutant Keacy Carty, and left-hander Alick Athanaze.Maharaj's performance was particularly noteworthy as he navigated through three rain interruptions that disrupted the rhythm of play. "It's really about keeping it simple and being consistent and repetitive in conditions like this... and I like repetitions," Maharaj said after the day's play. "There's not much to be had from the wicket, so I am trying to use different variations, different paces and trajectories to make it uncomfortable to score. Sometimes in Test cricket, it's just about bowling in a particular channel and getting the dividends."The only wicket to elude Maharaj was that of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was run out for 35 after a moment of hesitation while attempting a quick single. Brathwaite's dismissal came off a delivery from pacer Lungi Ngidi, with Wiaan Mulder’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end leaving him millimeters short of his ground. The run-out, which occurred just before another rain break, was particularly frustrating for Brathwaite, as he had earlier survived after being dismissed off a no-ball.Keacy Carty, on his Test debut, showed promise with a composed 42 from 81 deliveries before being trapped lbw by a Maharaj arm ball. Alick Athanaze was also undone by Maharaj, offering a simple catch to Aiden Markram at slip after a tentative forward prod. With the West Indies precariously placed at 124-4, South Africa pushed for more breakthroughs before the close of play. However, the experienced pair of Kavem Hodge and former captain Jason Holder provided some resistance, ensuring no further damage before stumps. They will resume their fight on the fourth day, with the West Indies still trailing by 212 runs.Earlier in the day, the West Indies faced no weather issues as they wrapped up South Africa's first innings, taking the last two wickets for an additional 13 runs. Jomel Warrican, who had impressed with figures of 4-69, claimed the wicket of Kagiso Rabada, while fast bowler Jayden Seales uprooted the off-stump of last man Ngidi, leaving Wiaan Mulder unbeaten on 41.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his disappointment after his team narrowly lost to South Africa by 4 runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The match, which took place on Monday, saw South Africa prevail in a final-ball thriller, moving a step closer to qualifying for the Super 8 stage.Shanto was confident in his team's chances with Jaker Ali at the crease in the final over, needing 11 runs to win. However, the South African bowlers, particularly spinner Keshav Maharaj, held their nerve to secure a dramatic victory."Everyone was nervous but was confident when Jaker was there. It didn't happen but that's okay. Tanzid really worked hard in the last couple of games, we needed new-ball wickets and he showed his character. This is the match we should have won, we nearly did but in the last couple of overs they bowled well," Shanto said during the post-match presentation.Reflecting on the performance of Rishad Hossain, Shanto praised the bowler's dedication and skill. "He is very good, the way he bowled the last couple of series, he practiced very hard. We've struggled with leg-spinners over the last 10-15 years so we're lucky we got one. Hopefully, he can continue. Thanks to all the supporters, hopefully, they'll come to the West Indies as well," Shanto added.The match's decisive moment came in the final over when South Africa captain Aiden Markram took a gamble by entrusting Maharaj with the ball on a pitch that had favored pacers. Maharaj's experience shone through as he dismissed both Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah, with Markram making crucial catches near the boundary to seal the win.Markram's tactical decision paid off, demonstrating the high stakes and fine margins that often characterize T20 cricket.Bangladesh will now face India in their next match on Wednesday, while South Africa will take on Pakistan on Tuesday.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Keshav Maharaj has attributed the team's impressive start to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to the positive atmosphere within the squad, where inputs from not only captain Sanju Samson but also other experienced players are being valued.Maharaj, who has played a key role in RR's four wins out of five matches so far, highlighted the significant contributions of Jos Buttler in providing valuable advice to the bowlers. "Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament," said Maharaj.The South African spinner emphasized the importance of having leaders within the team who are willing to share their expertise. "Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he said.Maharaj believes that the team's success stems from the collective effort of all players, regardless of their experience or seniority. "I think you always want leaders within the team. Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he explained.The positive team environment has fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the players, which has translated into on-field success. "Obviously, Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament. I mean, winning four out of five games is a good start to the tournament. And I think the bowlers like having him at a mid off and mid on, just so that they can lean on him when they need advice," said Maharaj.As RR prepares to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next match, Maharaj is confident that the team's positive momentum will continue. "I think we've got a good team. We've got a lot of experience. We've got a lot of youth. And I think the combination of the two is really working well for us," he said.