South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj said that he was loyal to the game and proud to be a Test cricketer. Speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony after the 2nd Test match in Guyana, the player of the series said that there were a lot of positives from the series win away from home. Maharaj played a pivotal part in both Test matches, bowling a total of 83.2 overs in the 1-0 win over West Indies.
South Africa registered a 40-run win over West Indies in the second Test on Saturday, August 17 at Providence Stadium, Guyana. Chasing a target of 263 runs in the fourth innings, the hosts were bundled out for 222 as Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada picked three wickets each. Gudakesh Motie was the top scorer for the West Indies with his gutsy innings of 45 (59) but couldn’t save his team from a 0-1 series loss.
“I just want to play. I wanted an opportunity. I am happy to get a chance. I tried to play in England. They indicated me what they wanted of me. I just try keep doing my best. I just tried to bowl wobble seam balls. When I try to swing, I lose my lines. Basically, I tried to bowl it at the sticks,” Keshav Maharaj said after the game.
WI vs SA, 2nd Test: Day 3 Highlights
Seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was adjudged the player of the match for his 6-wicket outing and crucial 34 in the second innings with the bat. Speaking after the game, Mulder said that he used his learnings from playing in England and tried to apply the same in this Test series.
“Was nice to get a long haul. We did well. We enjoyed it. Lot of positives. But back to the drawing board and on to the next one. I pride myself on Test cricket. Just staying loyal to the game. Bavuma allows me to read the game,” said the player of the match.
WI vs SA, 2nd Test: Match Report
In the final innings, chasing 263 runs, the hosts continued to lose wickets regularly and were left reeling at 104/6 with Keacy Carty (17), Kavem Hodge (29), Alick Athanaze (15) and Jason Holder (0) back in the pavilion. Seeing their team in desperate need of a partnership, Joshua Da Silva (27) and Gudakesh Motie (45) got involved in a crucial 77-run stand for the seventh wicket to keep their team in the game.
Keshav Maharaj came to South Africa’s rescue and dismissed both set batters to bring his team to the cusp of a win. Jomel Warrican showed some resistance in the end with his unbeaten 25-run knock but ran out of partners as West Indies got bundled out for 222. As a result, South Africa won the match by 40 runs and clinched the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy for winning the series 1-0.
