05 September 2018, by: Gareth Rosslee

SA HERO WATCH – MAHARAJ MAGIC ON DEBUT

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj made a sensational debut for Lancashire in the County Championship, bagging 11 wickets in a tied encounter with Somerset.

Keshav Maharaj took 11/102 on debut for Lancashire as they played out to a remarkable tie in a low-scoring encounter with Somerset in the Specsavers Country Championship at Taunton.

Maharaj joined the bottom of the log Manchester-based team on a short term contract last week as they looked to survive the drop from division one.

His rescue mission got off to an inauspicious start as he made just one run in the first innings as Lancashire collapsed to just 99 runs.

He fared better with the ball, claiming 4/65 in 19 overs, but his team were behind the eight ball as Somerset managed to put on 192 leaving Lancashire trailing by just shy of 100 runs.

He managed only nine in his second innings, but his match saving heroics were yet to come as he opened the bowling and took a remarkable 7/37 in just 13.4 overs.

The match ended in remarkable fashion with Somerset tied on score at 77-8 when Maharaj managed to bowl a wicket maiden and give Lancashire a sniff of victory. Graham Onions bowled a maiden over and it was Maharaj who got the final wicket and sealed the tie in dramatic fashion.

It was indeed a debut to remember for the Proteas spinner and one of the most exciting county matches in recent times.

CRICKET: It’s been an incredible ending to the County Championship match in Taunton after the match is tied. Somerset were given a target of 78 to win but were bowled out thanks to 7 wickets from Keshav Maharaj & another 3 for Graham Onions. It’s 11pts each for the sides. pic.twitter.com/lVb4flX800

— BBC Merseyside Sport (@bbcmerseysport) September 5, 2018

Keshav Maharaj, arguably the best spinner going around, takes 7 for 37 as the Lancs-Somerset game ends in a pulsating tie.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) September 5, 2018

Somerset were 77-8 with the scores level.

Keshav Maharaj bowled a wicket maiden to give Lancashire a chance.

Graham Onions followed it up with another maiden.

Maharaj dramatically took the final wicket, his sixth of the innings, to secure a tie.

Cricket. pic.twitter.com/VzZS3upROy

— bet365 (@bet365) September 5, 2018

And a tied game in #countycricket . Keshav Maharaj picks up 7/37 for Lancashire against Somerset, dismissing the last man with Somerset needing one to win. (11 wickets in the match)

How good is this #Proteas sensation? #SOMvLAN

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) September 5, 2018

400 Wickets for Keshav Maharaj in FC cricket and 10 in the match. @SomersetCCC 9 wickets down for 77 runs at scores level against @lancscricket. Scenes!!!

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) September 5, 2018