Rabada Path To 300 Wickets. South Africa Kagiso Rabada has achieved a remarkable feat in Test cricket, becoming only the sixth South African bowler to surpass 300 Test wickets. This achievement places Rabada among an elite group of South African bowlers, joining the ranks of Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, and Allan Donald. Rabada’s milestone came during the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, where he dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup with precision and power.
Career Highlights and Journey to 300 Wickets
Rabada reached the milestone in his 65th Test match, becoming the third-fastest South African bowler to hit this mark, trailing only Steyn and Donald. It was an exceptional morning spell that saw Rabada dismiss former Bangladeshi skipper Mushfiqur Rahim for 11, marking his 300th wicket. In comparison, Steyn and Donald achieved their 300th wicket in their 61st and 63rd Test matches, respectively, but Rabada stands out as the fastest to 300 Test scalps based on balls delivered, an incredible 11,817 deliveries. This achievement broke Waqar Younis’s record, who reached 300 wickets in 12,602 balls.
Rabada Impactful Spell Against Bangladesh
After trapping Rahim, Rabada’s fiery spell continued as he dismissed Litton Das and Nayeem Hasan to finish with figures of 3/26 in 11 overs, with four maidens. This contribution helped South Africa bundle out Bangladesh for a mere 106 in their first innings. Notably, Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj also claimed three wickets each, adding to Bangladesh’s struggles on a challenging pitch. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the only batter who managed a score above 20, making 30 runs. Rabada’s early success in the innings underscored his incredible form and knack for breakthroughs in crucial moments.
Recent Performances and Form in Test Cricket
Rabada has demonstrated superb consistency and dominance in recent Test series. During South Africa’s two-match series against West Indies in August, Rabada bagged eight wickets, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s most effective pacers. Since his debut against India in 2015, Rabada has been pivotal in shaping South Africa’s bowling attack. His performances in matches such as the fourth Test against England at Centurion in 2016, where he took 13 wickets including a career-best 7/112, remain some of his most memorable achievements.
Table: Kagiso Rabada Test Career Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | 65 |
| Total Wickets | 302 |
| Bowling Average | 21.95 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 14 |
| Ten-Wicket Hauls | 4 |
| Home Wickets | 184 (Avg. 19.07) |
| Away Wickets | 118 (Avg. 26.44) |
| Wickets vs Bangladesh | 18 (Avg. 11.44) |
Ranking Achievements and ICC Test Bowler Rankings
In 2018, Rabada achieved a significant career high, ascending to the top of the ICC Test bowler rankings at the young age of 22. His rapid rise was marked by another record-breaking achievement that same year, as he became the youngest bowler to claim 150 Test wickets at 23 years and 50 days. This remarkable pace made Rabada not only a national asset for South African cricket but also an admired talent in the global cricketing community. His aggressive bowling style, coupled with his versatility on varied pitches, solidified his position among the best pacers in the modern game.
Rabada and the South African Attack Dominate Bangladesh
In the Dhaka Test, Rabada led South Africa’s charge as they dismantled Bangladesh in a dominant display. After dismissing Shadman Islam for a duck in the opening over, he further decimated the hosts’ top order by removing Zakir Hasan. The pressure intensified when Dane Paterson took Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s wicket, leaving Bangladesh at 21/2. In the absence of substantial partnerships, Bangladesh crumbled as Rabada and Keshav Maharaj rattled the middle and lower order.
Despite Bangladesh’s defensive efforts, including a fighting 89-run partnership between Mominul Haque (74*) and Taijul Islam (18*), South Africa maintained control. Although this stand prevented a more severe defeat, Bangladesh still required another 239 runs to avoid the follow-on, making any potential comeback seem improbable.
South Africa in Control
At the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, South Africa showcased a commanding performance with both bat and ball. On Day 1, South African batters displayed remarkable resilience and aggression. Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs scored their maiden Test hundreds, laying a solid foundation. De Zorzi’s impressive knock of 177 off 269 balls, coupled with Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 105 and Senuran Muthusamy’s crucial 68, led South Africa to declare their first innings at a mammoth 575/6.
Bangladesh’s struggle continued in their first innings as Rabada and company exploited the pitch’s bounce and pace. By Stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh was already trailing by a staggering 537 runs with six wickets in hand, with Taijul Islam’s five-wicket haul offering the only relief for the hosts.
Table: Key Performances in the Chattogram Test
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 3/26 in 11 overs (4 maidens) |
| Tony de Zorzi | 177 off 269 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes) |
| Wiaan Mulder | 105* off 150 balls (8 fours, 4 sixes) |
| Senuran Muthusamy | 68* (Unbeaten) |
| Taijul Islam (BAN) | 5/198 |
Conclusion
Kagiso Rabada’s recent accomplishments, including his milestone 300th Test wicket, only add to his already stellar career. He continues to be a pillar of South African cricket, showcasing skill, commitment, and a relentless drive. His name now stands alongside South African legends like Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn, ensuring his legacy as one of the finest pacers of his generation. For South Africa, Rabada’s journey represents not only individual excellence but also the promise of a sustained and powerful bowling attack that can dominate in any condition worldwide.
