The Proteas sealed the victory within three days, dismissing West Indies for 222 after setting a target of 263 runs to win.
Although the opening Test in Trinidad was drawn due to inclement weather, South Africa’s win in the second Test marked their 10th consecutive series victory over the West Indies.
Maharaj, who got the ‘Man of the Series’ award, took 3 for 37 to surpass Hugh Tayfield’s record of 170 Test wickets, setting a new benchmark for South African spin bowlers.
Another notable performance came from the fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who also claimed three wickets. His current tally of Test wickets is now just one victim shy of the 300 mark.
The vistors faced a challenging situation in this low-scoring encounter, as the Windies came remarkably close to victory but ultimately fell short.
The Windies started their chase with ample time, having more than two days to reach the target. However, they suffered an early setback when opener Mikyle Louis was dismissed for just four runs. He edged a delivery from Rabada, and Wiaan Mulder made no mistake in taking the catch at slip.
Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed after contributing 42 runs in a partnership with Keacy Carty for the second wicket.
The West Indies found themselves in a challenging position at 104 for 6 when the seasoned Jason Holder was out without scoring. However, Joshua da Silva and Gudakesh Motie formed the most productive partnership of the series for the West Indies, putting on 77 runs to bring the target down to 82 before Motie was dismissed by Maharaj for his highest Test score of 45.
Da Silva was trapped lbw by Maharaj for 27, and Shamar Joseph was sent back by a spectacular one-handed diving catch from captain Temba Bavuma. Maharaj then had Jayden Seales caught by close-in fielder David Bedingham.
South Africa had started the morning with a lead of 239 runs at 223 for 5, but the 22-year-old Seales tore through the tail, taking his best Test figures of 6 for 61 as the last five wickets fell for just 22 runs.