Dhaka
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada reached a significant milestone during the first Test against Bangladesh on Monday, becoming the fastest to 300 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled. He achieved this feat after bowling 11,817 deliveries, surpassing the previous record held by Pakistan’s Waqar Younis, who reached the mark in 12,602 deliveries. This achievement places Rabada ahead of legendary bowlers like Dale Steyn (12,605 balls), Allan Donald (13,672 balls), and Malcolm Marshall (13,728 balls).
Rabada’s historic performance came as Bangladesh struggled after electing to bat first. Wiaan Mulder started strong with early wickets, using the swinging conditions to his advantage. Rabada then followed with a powerful spell, dismissing key players Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. His precise and aggressive bowling kept Bangladesh on the back foot. Rabada’s 3/26 in his 11-over spell, at an economy rate of 2.40, was instrumental in reducing Bangladesh to a meager 106 runs.
In the first innings, Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled, with only a few showing resistance. Alongside Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Mulder each took three wickets, wrapping up the Bangladesh innings.
In response, South Africa faced early setbacks as captain Aiden Markram fell for just 6 runs, bowled by a superb inswinger from Hasan Mahmud. Despite the early dismissal, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi took charge to stabilize the South African innings.
