The No 1-ranked ODI bowler ripped through the hosts with 4-22 in 5.4 overs on Tuesday, helping the Proteas skittle England for just 131 – their lowest first-innings total against South Africa in ODIs.
Maharaj combined superbly with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who took 3-33, as England lost their last eight wickets for just 49 runs after reaching 82-2.
In reply, Aiden Markram smashed a blistering 86 off 55 balls to seal a seven-wicket victory with almost 30 overs to spare, giving the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Maharaj’s haul was the best figures by a South African spinner in ODIs against England, earning him the Man of the Match award.
HIGHLIGHTS: England vs Proteas (1st ODI)
Despite his world No 1 status and milestone performance, the 35-year-old insists he remains focused on the bigger picture.
“Stats and things are nice to have, but I always want to get better with each and every game,” Maharaj said afterwards. “I’m still a scholar of the game and always believe that learnings come with every performance.
“I just try to go about my business and trust my processes. I just love bowling, so any opportunity that presents itself, I look forward to it.”
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Maharaj praised the collective effort in Leeds, crediting the quicks for setting the tone.
“We used a little bit of a breeze and that was to my advantage, but kudos must go to the fast bowlers and the way they opened up the England batting line-up. The run-out was also a big momentum shifter.
“It was a nice carry-over from Australia, where we won the ODI series 2-1, and great to see the guys put our processes into practice and get the rewards.”
Photo: Visionhaus/Getty Images
