A right-arm fast bowler who bats left-handed, Kagiso Rabada is a wicket-taking anomaly.
From T20s to ODIs, the 29-year-old ambidextrous sensation can do it all, collecting 530 wickets (and counting) for the Proteas.
Rabada’s career economy of 4.20 is a testament to his class.
Milestones
On October 21 the Johannesburg native created history, earning his 300th test wicket in record time, becoming the fastest player – in the amount of balls – to reach that number surpassing Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn.
He unlocked the milestone in emphatic fashion, uprooting the stumps of Mushfiqur Rahim – a sight South African fans have come accustomed to for nearly a decade.
But it’s not just test cricket where Rabada has dominated; he’s been a threat in the ODI and T20 too – in fact, he’s taken a hattrick of wickets in each format.
International statistics
Test: 302 wickets, 65 matches, 3.35 economy, 398 maidens, 7/112 BBI
ODI: 157 wickets, 101 matches, 5.06 economy, 50 maidens, 6/16 BBI
T20: 71 wickets, 65 matches, 8.30 economy, 3 maidens, 3/18 BBI
Was Rabada hunting the record?
Rabada was on 299 wickets before facing Bangladesh but says the record wasn’t on his mind.
“When I came on to bowl this morning, I wasn’t really thinking about that final wicket, I was more focused on how we were going to win this Test, especially after losing the toss and bowling first” he told ESPN.
“But when it happened, it was just a relief. Everyone plays for milestones, but it was a relief. The way my team-mates support me, we support each other, and that felt really good.
“It’s a special moment. As for the record, I didn’t know about it, but I guess it motivates me to do even better.”
South African cricket legend, Dale Steyn, was seemingly delighted at Rabada’s history making wicket: “300 and in record time! KG, your stamp in history is marked, what a incredible achievement, we’re blessed to have you. Congratulations young Sir!”, he wrote on X.
That’s coming from someone with 699 career wickets – only 169 more to go Rabada.
Where does Rabada rank in South African bowlers?
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