• Maharaj: Getting better more important than stats

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    Keshav Maharaj says he is more focused on learning and improving his game than on his growing list of records, after starring in the Proteas thumping win over England at Headingley.

    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.”

    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

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    Simon Borchardt