South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada reached a remarkable milestone by becoming the fastest to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket, surpassing Pakistan’s Waqar Younis. Rabada achieved this feat in just 11,187 deliveries, compared to Younis’ 12,602, making the South African paceman the quickest in terms of balls bowled to reach the landmark. His efforts played a significant role in skittling Bangladesh for a mere 106 runs on the opening day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The 29-year-old Rabada’s 300th wicket came in his 65th Test match, placing him among South Africa’s elite bowlers, with only five others in the nation’s history surpassing the 300-wicket mark. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident when he dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim to reach the milestone, and later removed Litton Das with a sharp catch in the slips by Tristan Stubbs. Rabada wrapped up the innings with figures of 3-26, leaving Bangladesh reeling after a dismal batting display.
Bangladesh’s decision to bat first after winning the toss quickly backfired as they crumbled to 21-3 in the first session. Wiaan Mulder, the all-rounder, struck early, taking the first three wickets and applying immense pressure on the hosts. Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 30 was the only resistance Bangladesh could offer as the team collapsed further, heading into lunch at 60-6. After the break, South Africa needed just 14 overs to wrap up the innings, with spinner Keshav Maharaj chipping in with 3-34 and Dane Piedt taking a wicket.
This was Bangladesh’s second-lowest total at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, only surpassed by their 87 all-out against Pakistan in December 2021. South Africa’s bowlers dominated throughout, with tight lines and relentless pressure leaving the Bangladeshi batsmen with little to show on the scoreboard.
In response, South Africa didn’t have the smoothest of starts either, as they struggled against Bangladesh’s spin attack. Taijul Islam’s brilliant performance saw him claim five wickets for 49 runs, passing the 200-wicket mark in Test cricket. South Africa’s top-order batsmen, including Tony de Zorzi (30), Ryan Rickelton (27), and Tristan Stubbs (23), were all dismissed after brief starts, failing to capitalize on their promising positions. The visitors ended the day at 140-6, with a slim lead of 34 runs, as bad light forced an early end to the day’s play.
Kyle Verreynne (18) and Wiaan Mulder (17) were at the crease when play was called off and will look to extend South Africa’s advantage when the match resumes. The first Test in Dhaka marks the beginning of a two-match series, with the second game scheduled to be held in Chittagong the following week.
Rabada’s landmark achievement not only highlights his remarkable consistency but also places him firmly among cricket’s finest fast bowlers. As the series progresses, South Africa will be keen to maintain the upper hand and take control of the contest after a strong opening day.
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