Twitter reactions: Keshav Maharaj’s stunning 7-fer helps South Africa crush Bangladesh in Durban Test

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Here is how Twitter reacted

Keshav Maharaj‘s spectacular bowling display in the second innings of the opening Test against Bangladesh helped South Africa thrash the visitors by a massive margin of 220 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series at Kingsmead in Durban.

Maharaj and his partner-in-crime Simon Harmer combined to take 14 of the 20 Bangladesh wickets to fall between them as the tourists were packed at their second-lowest total in Test cricket – 53. Further, it was also the lowest ever score in Tests in Durban.

Maharaj, who went wicketless in the first innings despite bowling quite superbly, roared back in grand style to choke the visiting side with a seven-wicket haul while conceding only 32 runs in 10 overs. Similarly, Harmer, who bagged a 4-fer in the first essay, picked up the remaining three scalps in the second innings.

Brief scores: South Africa 367 & 204 (Dean Elgar 64; Ebadot Hossain 2/40, Mehidy Hasan 2/85) beat Bangladesh 298 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 137, Liton Das 41; Simon Harmer 4/103) & 53 (Keshav Maharaj 7/32, Simon Harmer 3/21) by 220 runs.

“Quite emotional, playing at home is always special. Glad that I could take the team over the line. It’s just about being patient and hitting my line and length for long periods of time. You can’t take Test wins for granted, back to the drawing-room from tomorrow. Both my parents are here, my sister, nieces and nephews, special moment for me. I love playing at home. The Dolphins have been very good for me, very grateful to put in a performance for them out here today,” said Maharaj after the match.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

🚨 RESULT | #PROTEAS WIN BY 2️⃣ 2️⃣ 0️⃣ RUNS
A spin bowling inspired innings ensures victory for the 🇿🇦 #Proteas in the first #BetwayTest👏
Keshav Maharaj 7️⃣ /3️⃣ 2️⃣
Simon Harmer 3️⃣ /2️⃣ 1️⃣ #SAvBAN #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt | @Betway_za pic.twitter.com/UUuqrQ1gTS
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) April 4, 2022

Keshav Maharaj figures of 7/32 are the best by a SA bowler post isolation in Durban #SAvBAN
— Tim Dale Lace (@Tim32_cricket) April 4, 2022

I said previously that Simon Harmer might have just reshuffled the pecking order for the Proteas, but Keshav Maharaj have just restored the pecking order.
Another 5-for for Maharaj!
Both brilliant in this test match! 👌#SAvBANG
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) April 4, 2022

For the first time in 72 years SA spinners have taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings. For the first time ever in Test cricket only two SA bowlers have bowled and taken all 10 wickets in an innings. Take a bow, Keshav Maharaj & Simon Harmer
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) April 4, 2022

🔝 Keshav Maharaj is clear! Since Readmission, no South African spinner has taken more Test wickets than him 👏#SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/GpQO2R12AA
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 4, 2022

Bangladesh bundled out for 53 runs in the 4th innings with Keshav Maharaj picking 7 wickets – South Africa won the first Test by 220 runs. #SAvBAN
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 4, 2022

Absolutely brilliant by Keshav Maharaj 🔥 Lovely to see. He's always been advocating for spinning wickets in SA. Maybe it's time to listen 😅 #SAvBAN
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) April 4, 2022

Bangladesh bundled out for 53 in a disastrous batting "effort" as SA win by 220 runs
Spectacular combined bowling effort from SA's spin twins, Keshav Maharaj & Simon Harmer of 10-53
SA lead 1-0#SAvBAN
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) April 4, 2022