Kagiso Rabada becomes second bowler to take a five-wicket haul in ICC WTC finals

Kagiso Rabada returned with the figures of 5/51 against Australia in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final.

South Africa Cricket Team fast bowler Kagiso Rabada achieved a massive feat in the history of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. He became only the second bowler to claim a fifer in the summit clash, joining New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson in the list. The lanky pacer bagged a five-wicket haul in the 2019-21 edition’s final against Indian Cricket Team.

Kagiso Rabada achieved the feat in the ongoing ICC WTC 2023-25 final against Australia Cricket Team. The game between the two teams is underway at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, which commenced on Wednesday (11th June). 

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to field first. However, after that, it was all about Kagiso Rabada with the ball. The premier fast bowler took his team off to a flying start with the ball as he removed Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green (4) in the same over inside the first hour. 

After that, Kagiso Rabada bowled impeccable lines and lengths and troubled the Australian batters. The fast bowler then went on to remove skipper Pat Cummins (1) with a peach and followed it up with the wickets of Beau Webster (73) and Mitchell Starc (1) to grab a magnificent fifer. 

Kagiso Rabada returned with the figures of 5/51 as his incredible spell with the ball saw South Africa bundling out Australia for just 212 runs. Apart from him, Marco Jansen also bagged three scalps while Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram also were in the wickets. 

With his spell, Kagiso Rabada also went past Allan Donald to become the fourth-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in tests. The fast bowler now has 332 wickets to his name while Donald ended his career with 330 wickets. 

Means a lot to play for South Africa – Kagiso Rabada

While talking about his performance with the ball, Kagiso Rabada said that it means a lot for him to play for South Africa. He also shared his take on surpassing Allan Donald and while speaking to broadcasters, he said: 

“Coming here about a week ago, could already feel the atmosphere. Great to see the support for us. Feels like a home game. Means a lot to play for South Africa. Given my all each and every time. Happy to do the job. It was moving around a bit. With the new ball it seemed harder to score. As the ball got softer and they showed intent, they got some runs away.“

“But you always felt that, on this wicket, especially with the way they were playing, any ball had their name on it. That’s all secondary (climbing the wicket-takers list for SA). Primary is to keep running in and doing the job. Means a lot to get past Allan Donald, what a legend,” he said.

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