Proteas

Keshav Maharaj celebrates. Photo: AFP

Keshav Maharaj makes history with hat-trick as Proteas seal West Indies sweep

Keshav Maharaj became the first Proteas bowler since readmission to take a hat-trick in Test cricket as South Africa wrapped up a series clean sweep against the West Indies.

Proteas

Keshav Maharaj celebrates. Photo: AFP

Keshav Maharaj became the first Proteas bowler since readmission to take a hat-trick in Test cricket as South Africa wrapped up a series clean sweep against the West Indies in St Lucia.

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The only other instance of a Test hat-trick for South Africa was Geoff Griffin against England in 1960.

The tourists bowled the Windies out for 165 on the fourth day to complete a 158-run victory and a 2-0 Test series win in what was Dean Elgar’s first series as permanent captain.

The Caribbean started the day on 15-0, chasing a target of 324, but they were in trouble early as fast bowler Kagiso Rabada (3-44) ripped through the top order.

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Keshav Maharaj then entered the fray and the moment of history came just before the lunch interval as the left-arm spinner accounted for top-scorer Kieran Powell (51) and then Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva in consecutive deliveries.

The tweaker then came back after the break and got rid of Kemar Roach and finally Jayden Seales to finish with outstanding figures of 5-36 in 17.3 overs, his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests.

Roston Chase did not bat for the Windies owing to a quad strain suffered while fielding on Sunday.

The Proteas won the first Test by an innings and 63 runs at the same venue in St Lucia.