MAHARAJ BECOMES SECOND SA BOWLER TO TAKE TEST HAT-TRICK

Spinner Keshav Maharaj on Monday became the second South Africa bowler to take a hat-trick in men’s Tests.

Maharaj achieved the feat in the ongoing second Test against West Indies. The 31-year-old spinner first dismissed Kieran Powell and then picked the wickets of Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva to put South Africa insight of a 2-0 series win. Three wickets for Kagiso Rabada and a hat-trick from Maharaj in the first session saw West Indies losing six batsmen for less than 100 runs on Monday. South Africa reduced West Indies to 109/6 at lunch on day four after sensational bowling performances by Rabada and Maharaj.

West Indies still need more than 150 runs to win the second Test. On Sunday, a remarkable 70-run, eighth-wicket stand between Rassie van der Dussen and Rabada put South Africa in the driving seat on Day Three of the second and final Test against West Indies.

Van der Dussen returned unbeaten for 75 off 142 balls – his sixth Test half-century – after the batting unit collapsed after lunch was taken early. Rabada’s 40 off 48 was a career-best score for the 26-year-old number nine batsman. The day began with the loss of the entire first session due to a wet outfield caused by overnight and morning rain with the visitors due to come in to bat.