South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has achieved a historic milestone in Test cricket by completing 200 wickets in matches played on home soil. He has now become the fourth bowler from South Africa to reach this remarkable feat. Before him, only Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, and Shaun Pollock had managed to achieve this distinction, and his name is now added to this elite list of legends. Notably, Rabada is making his return to the field after a long absence and has immediately made a strong impact with his performance.
Surpassing Dale Steyn for a New Record
Along with this milestone, Kagiso Rabada set the record for taking 200 Test wickets at home in the fewest number of balls. He reached his 200 wickets in Test cricket using just 7017 balls. In doing so, he surpassed legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn to become the bowler who reached this milestone in the fewest balls in Test history. Steyn had taken 7751 balls to complete 200 Test wickets on home grounds. Rabada's lethal bowling once again proved that he remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
South African Fast Bowlers Dominate the First Innings
During the Test match being played in Gqeberha, Kagiso Rabada delivered an impressive spell in the first innings. He bowled 12 overs, conceded 33 runs, and picked up 2 wickets. He dismissed opening batsman Nic Maddinson and Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, his fellow bowler Marco Jansen wreaked havoc in the match by claiming 5 wickets, while Wiaan Mulder also managed to pick up two wickets. Faced with such fierce bowling, the entire Australian team was bowled out for just 99 runs in their first innings.
South Africa Declares Innings at 425 Runs
Batting first, the South African team declared their innings at 425 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Captain Temba Bavuma played a brilliant century knock for the team during this phase. He scored 179 runs from 334 balls before getting out, hitting 18 boundaries and a six along the way. Additionally, Marco Jansen contributed 85 runs and Simon Harmer scored 82 runs. After bowling Australia out for 99, South Africa gained a massive lead of 326 runs, prompting the African team to enforce the follow-on against Australia.
