Rabada Hits 200 Home Wickets as Proteas Crush Australia
Kagiso Rabada becomes the 4th South African to claim 200 Test wickets at home during a dominant display against Australia in Gqeberha.
In a masterclass of pace bowling, Kagiso Rabada has etched his name into the history books, becoming only the fourth South African bowler to claim 200 Test wickets on home soil. The speedster achieved this milestone during a dominant spell in Gqeberha, marking a triumphant return to competitive cricket following the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.
Joining the Legends
Rabada's entry into this exclusive club puts him alongside three other South African greats: Dale Steyn, who leads the list with 261 scalps, Makhaya Ntini with 249, and Shaun Pollock.
His record at home is nothing short of formidable. Across 38 home Tests, Rabada has maintained a stunning average of 20.06. His home tally includes 10 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, with his career-best figures standing at 7/112.
On the global stage, Rabada continues to climb the ranks. In 74 Tests overall, he has secured 342 wickets at an average of 22.01, boasting 17 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls. He now stands as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history for the Proteas.
The Australian Collapse
The milestone came as South Africa dismantled the Australian batting lineup, skittling them for a meager 99 runs in their first innings. Rabada played a pivotal role in the demolition, finishing with figures of 2/33 in 12 overs, claiming the crucial wickets of Nic Maddison and Mitchell Starc.
While Rabada provided the precision, Marco Jansen was the primary destroyer, ripping through the lineup with a devastating 5/33. Wiaan Mulder added to the carnage with 2/13. The Australian batters struggled significantly, with only Steven Smith offering any resistance, scoring 28 off 88 balls.
From Disaster to Dominance
The Proteas' current position of strength is even more remarkable considering how their first innings began. After two days of rain-affected play, South Africa found themselves in a dire situation, collapsing to 110/6 on day three while Scott Boland was tearing through the order with a 5/81 spell.
However, a heroic effort from captain Temba Bavuma turned the tide. Bavuma played a monumental knock of 179 runs from 334 balls, including 18 fours and a six. He anchored the recovery with two massive partnerships:
- With Marco Jansen: A 132-run stand, where Jansen played aggressively, scoring 85 off 100 balls.
- With Simon Harmer: A 183-run partnership, with Harmer contributing a solid 82.
This resilience propelled South Africa to a declared total of 425/9, a score that seemed impossible during the early collapse.
Series on the Line
With the Australians forced to follow-on, the Proteas have a golden opportunity to bounce back. Australia currently leads the three-match series 1-0, but with a full day of play remaining, South Africa is well-positioned to level the series at 1-1.