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Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Test Cricket

On This Day: Maharaj makes history in St Lucia

Keshav Maharaj etched his name into South African cricket history as only the second player from his country to take a Test hat-trick.

The milestone came on the fourth morning of the second Test against West Indies in St Lucia on 21 June 2021, a moment that capped off a commanding all-round display from the tourists.

South Africa were firmly in control after setting a target of 324, and West Indies never truly mounted a serious challenge in the chase. Kagiso Rabada and Maharaj applied relentless pressure, steadily breaking through the batting order as the required runs continued to drift further out of reach.

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Captain Kraigg Brathwaite endured a difficult series and fell for just 6, another setback in a run of low scores across the two Tests. Kieran Powell briefly offered resistance with a composed 51, but once he was dismissed the innings quickly lost momentum.

Maharaj then took centre stage, finishing with 5 for 36, including the hat-trick that highlighted his influence on the contest as West Indies were gradually pulled apart. The innings closed on 165, sealing a 2-0 series sweep.

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images/Getty Images

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