‘Jai Shree Hanuman’ – Keshav Maharaj embraces his heritage following thrilling win against Pakistan
Game 26 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed a thrilling contest between Pakistan and South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27. Both teams delivered outstanding performances throughout the match, but ultimately, it was the Proteas who maintained their superb form and clinched a one-wicket victory.
Remarkably, it was bowler Keshav Maharaj who played a crucial role in securing the win for South Africa. Scoring 7* runs from 21 deliveries, Maharaj ensured that South Africa emerged victorious in a closely-fought battle.
However, the 33-year-old cricketer attracted attention for reasons beyond his performance. After the win, Keshav Maharaj expressed his gratitude to God for the victory and also acknowledged his Hindu heritage by chanting ‘Jai Shree Hanuman.’
“In God I Trust, what a special result by the boys, awesome to see the performances from @shamsi90 & @aidenmarkram, Jai Shree Hanuman,” Keshav Maharaj captioned his post on Instagram.
Keshav Maharaj caps unlikely World Cup comeback with cathartic winning role
During the ODI World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and South Africa at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s bowler, found himself in an unexpected situation. While having dinner, he saw his team in a tense situation as Pakistan’s concussion substitute, Usama Mir, dismissed Rassie van der Dussen. South Africa needed 150 runs off almost 30 overs with a strong middle-order lineup.
Despite not expecting to bat, Maharaj ended up scoring the winning runs for South Africa alongside No.11 batsman Tabraiz Shamsi. He coolly guided a ball from Mohammad Nawaz between midwicket and short fine leg, securing a remarkable one-wicket victory.
Maharaj’s return to the World Cup was remarkable, as he recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon in less than six months. He celebrated the win with passion, and the emotions ran high for him.
Facing a challenging situation with 11 runs needed off 27 balls, Maharaj trusted his lower-order partners to stay with him, and they successfully sealed the victory.
Maharaj also praised South Africa’s bowling depth, with bowlers like Gerald Coetzee stepping up in the middle overs. South Africa’s spin duo, Maharaj and Shamsi, played a pivotal role in both their bowling and batting performances, helping South Africa climb to the top of the World Cup standings.
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