Razeen Gutta
Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer needed only an hour in Port Elizabeth on day four to take the remaining seven Bangladesh wickets as the Proteas win the test series 2-0.
South Africa’s spinners picked up all ten second innings wickets in rapid time for the second consecutive test victory. Not only do they have to deal with the absence of the Proteas’ leading pace attack who are playing in the ongoing IPL, they have to deal with a double Covid-19 blow as Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder tested positive just hours before the start of play. Glenton Stuurman and debutant Khaya Zondo replaced the pair as international cricket witnesses its first ever instance of substitution protocol implemented for Covid-19 situations.
Once the action on the pitch got back underway, it was all about continuing from yesterday evening’s momentum for Maharaj.
The 32-year-old picked up seven wickets to add to his two from the first innings and 84 runs with the bat.
“I’m really happy. Firstly, to see the team cross the line and secondly to get so many wickets. The conditions were difficult and probably not suited to us, but the team did the job. Dean Elgar did an excellent job leading us and the guys were clinical,” Maharaj said as he picked up his player of the match and player of the series awards.
“I just repeated my processes from the time I started playing domestic cricket with a few minor tweaks here and there. I am happy to be reaping the rewards.”
The series win brings an end to a fantastic home summer of cricket for South Africa.
The Proteas finished it just as they had started with that test series win over India, who they will visit following the conclusion of the IPL.
Image source: WP_Blitz
