South African spinner Keshav Maharaj is aiming to etch his name into history by helping the Proteas lift the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace at Lord’s, 13 years after South Africa last rose to the top of Test cricket at the iconic venue.
South Africa will face Australia in the WTC Final 2025, with Maharaj determined to honour the legacy of past legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, and Graeme Smith, who secured the number one Test ranking for South Africa with a win at Lord’s in 2012.
“I remember watching that when they lifted the mace,” said Maharaj. “Apart from doing it for us, we want to honour the legends of the past and hopefully we will one day be seen in the same calibre.”
Proteas bring momentum and belief to Lord’s
South Africa arrives in London in red-hot form, riding a streak of seven consecutive Test wins. Their last defeat came in February 2024 against New Zealand, and their dominant run has propelled them to the top of the WTC standings.
“When we started this journey two years ago, not many thought we’d be here,” Maharaj said. “But with each series, we’ve grown. Our blend of youth and experience complements each other, and now we’re in another final.”
“The boys have worked hard. The excitement is building, and now it’s about letting the moment sink in so we can play with freedom.”
WTC Final: Redemption opportunity after near misses
South Africa’s recent tournament history is filled with near-misses. Maharaj was part of the squad that finished runners-up at the 2024 T20 World Cup, while the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“In previous tournaments, we exceeded expectations by just making knockouts,” Maharaj said. “Now we’ve made two finals and two semis. Hopefully through those near misses we come right in this one.”
“There’s a lot of inspiration in the brand of cricket we’ve played the last three or four years. If we stay true to it, this could be our moment.”
Maharaj approaches 200-Test wicket milestone at Lord’s
The WTC Final could also mark a major personal milestone for Maharaj. He enters the match just two wickets shy of 200 in Test cricket—and reaching that number at Lord’s, in front of his family, would be a dream come true.
“It would be very special,” Maharaj admitted. “I don’t focus on stats, but I’d love to get a 10-fer to help the team win.”
“Playing at Lord’s is a bucket-list moment for any cricketer. To do it in a WTC Final, with history on the line, is something truly special.”
With a balanced squad and a point to prove, Maharaj and South Africa are not just chasing silverware—they’re chasing legacy.
