Maharaj only needed two matches to leave his mark on South Africa’s ODI series victory over Australia.
The left-arm spinner finished with six wickets from his two appearances before being rested for the final ODI in Potchefstroom, and was subsequently named Player of the Series.
His biggest impact came in Durban.
Australia raced to 90 without loss while chasing 298, but Maharaj changed the contest with an outstanding spell of 4-20 from 9.2 overs. Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards and Adam Zampa were among his victims as Australia collapsed to 230 all out.
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Bjorn Fortuin added 2-34 and suddenly the possibilities
Bjorn Fortuin added 2-34 and suddenly the possibilities of South Africa using spin as a major weapon ahead of the 2027 World Cup became difficult to ignore.
Maharaj was equally important at the Wanderers.
Australia had launched their pursuit of 366 through an opening partnership of 130 between Marsh and Travis Head. Once the Proteas turned to spin, the match began to change.
Fortuin removed Marsh, Markram accounted for Head and Maharaj dismissed Alex Carey and Matt Renshaw. Maharaj finished with 2-54 from his 10 overs as South Africa eventually bowled Australia out for 333 to secure the series.
Across those two matches, Maharaj took six wickets
Across those two matches, Maharaj took six wickets for 74 runs at an average of 12.33 and an economy rate of 3.83.
The numbers are impressive, but his importance extends beyond them.
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South Africa will co-host next year’s World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, and Maharaj has already stressed that conditions cannot simply be predicted this far out.
He said the Proteas must continue improving rather than assume the tournament will automatically favour spin.
What the Australia series did show
What the Australia series did show is that South Africa have a bowler capable of changing the momentum of an innings when opposition batters appear to be in control.
Maharaj described the series against the reigning world champions as an opportunity to build confidence and establish a foundation ahead of 2027.
Two matches and a Player of the Series award later, he has done more than talk about that foundation.
He has placed himself right at the centre of it.
Source: www.sacricketmag.com
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