In a spellbinding display of left-arm spin bowling, South Africa's Keshav Maharaj carved his name into the history books of the World Test Championship during the ongoing match against Pakistan. The crafty spinner produced career-best figures of 7/78, but more significantly, he shattered a prestigious record previously held by Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
A Record-Breaking Bowling Masterclass
Maharaj's magical spell saw him become the first-ever bowler to claim two seven-wicket hauls in World Test Championship history. This monumental achievement saw him surpass Ashwin, who had held the record for the most five-wicket hauls in the championship cycle.
The South African tweaker was simply unplayable on a surface offering assistance, running through the Pakistani batting lineup with clinical precision. His variations in pace, flight, and turn proved too much for the opposition batsmen to handle.
Dominating the WTC Record Books
Maharaj's record-breaking performance places him in elite company among Test cricket's premier spinners. The achievement is particularly remarkable given the quality of bowlers who have participated in the World Test Championship since its inception.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the context of the match situation. With South Africa needing crucial World Test Championship points, Maharaj stepped up when his team needed him most, delivering a match-changing performance that puts his side in a commanding position.
The Ashwin Record That Was Broken
While Ashwin remains one of the most successful bowlers in WTC history, Maharaj's seven-fer has now given him a unique distinction that even the great Indian spinner doesn't possess. This performance underscores Maharaj's growing reputation as one of the world's most potent spin weapons in Test cricket.
The cricket world has taken notice of this historic achievement, with fans and experts alike praising Maharaj's skill, temperament, and ability to deliver under pressure. As the World Test Championship continues to unfold, this record-breaking spell will be remembered as one of the championship's defining moments.
