Kagiso Rabada, a pacer from South Africa, became the seventh bowler in history to reach 500 wickets in international cricket on Tuesday. Rabada accomplished this feat in the Centurion Test, the first Test between South Africa and India. The 28-year-old had the ball in his hand and was breathing fire. With figures of 5/44 in 17 overs at an economy rate of 2.58, he concluded the first day. He claimed the vital wickets of Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
‘The Record’
Rabada has now taken 500 wickets in 218 international games at a strike rate of 35.19 and an average of 24.79. His 7/112 bowling average is his best. With 823 wickets, Shaun Pollock leads all Proteas international wicket scorers. He has taken 285 wickets at an average of 22.10 in 61 Test matches for the Proteas, with the best figures being 7/112. In Test matches, he is the seventh-highest wicket-taker for the Proteas. He has claimed 157 wickets for Proteas at an average of 27.77 in 101 ODIs, with the best figures coming from 6/16. In ODIs, he is the Proteas’ ninth-highest wicket-taker.
Rabada has claimed 58 wickets at an average of 29.87 in 56 Twenty20 Internationals, his best figures coming at 3/20. He is Proteas’ sixth-highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 Internationals. When the game started, SA made India bat first. India struggled against the pacers, who eventually reduced them to 24/3.
After that, India’s fortunes took a positive turn with a partnership between Virat Kohli. The former captain scored 38 runs in 64 balls, featuring five fours. Alongside him, Shreyas Iyer contributed 31 runs in 50 balls, showcasing three fours and a six. Their collaborative effort added a significant 68 runs to India’s total.
In the later part of the day, KL Rahul showcased resilience by scoring an unbeaten 70 runs off 105 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. Simultaneously, Shardul Thakur launched a quick counterattack, contributing 24 runs in 33 balls with three boundaries. Their efforts collectively propelled India to a total of 208/8 by the end of the first day. Proteas also claimed wickets from Marco Jansen (1/52) and Nandre Burger (2/50).
