NEW DELHI: South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada etched his name in the record books on Monday, becoming the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled, during the first Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
This achievement led to a dominant performance by the Proteas, who bowled out Bangladesh for a paltry 106 before building a 34-run lead by the end of day one.
Rabada reached the milestone in the 41st over of Bangladesh’s innings, dismissing Taskin Ahmed to finish with figures of 3/34. This feat, achieved in just 11,817 deliveries, sees him surpass bowling legends like Waqar Younis (12,602), Dale Steyn (12,605), Allan Donald (13,672), and Malcolm Marshall (13,728).
Despite the personal accomplishment, Rabada remained focused on the team’s objective.
“I was more focused on how we were going to win this Test, especially after losing the toss and bowling first. But when it happened, it was just a relief. Everyone plays for milestones, but it was a relief. The way my teammates support me, we support each other, and that felt really good,” Rabada said after the end of play on the first day.
Rabada also shared his observations on the Dhaka pitch, noting the unexpected seam movement despite initial expectations of turn.
“We thought it was going to turn, and not really nip, but with the new ball, there was a bit of movement. Not really much swing, but off the wicket, there was quite a bit of seam movement,” he added.
Bangladesh, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to build partnerships and were undone by a disciplined South African bowling attack. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scored with a patient 30 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj complemented Rabada’s three-wicket haul by picking up three wickets each, while Dane Piedt chipped in with one wicket.
The Proteas’ bowlers consistently challenged the Bangladeshi batsmen, exploiting the conditions effectively.
South Africa’s reply got off to a shaky start, losing skipper Aiden Markram early. However, a composed 30 from Tony de Zorzi and contributions from Ryan Rickelton (27) and Tristan Stubbs (23) steered them to 140/4 at stumps.
Taijul Islam provided Bangladesh with a glimmer of hope, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul, including the wickets of de Zorzi, Rickelton, and Stubbs. Hasan Mahmud also contributed with one wicket.
As day two dawns, South Africa will aim to build on their lead and put the match beyond Bangladesh’s reach. Bangladesh, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to stay afloat in the contest.
