Kagiso Rabada Shines with 17th Test Five-Fer, Eyes WTC Glory

The long-awaited World Test Championship Final kicked off at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, where South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bowl.

Australia started with the bat. However, the decision worked in South Africa’s favor, as their pacer, Kagiso Rabada, ripped through the Australian batting lineup. The Aussies were bowled out for 212 runs in 56.4 overs, thanks to an outstanding performance by Rabada, who led South Africa’s bowling attack.

Kagiso Rabada picked up 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs, including five maidens, at an economy of 3.30. The performance marked his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, proving he is one of the fastest bowlers. He removed Australia’s top-order batters, Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, early in the innings.

After the break, Rabada doubled up his efforts, claiming three more crucial wickets: Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. 

His performance saw him become South Africa’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker with 332. He overtook Allan Donald, who had 330 wickets. Topping the list is Dale Steyn with 439, followed by Shaun Pollock with 421, and in third spot, Makhaya Ntini with 390.

Kagiso also became the second bowler in World Test Championship final history to claim a five-wicket haul. The first was Kyle Jamieson, who achieved 5 for 31 against India in 2021. 

ICC captured Rabada’s performance on Instagram with the caption: "Kagiso Rabada’s magnificent five-wicket haul in the #WTC25 Final saw him climb past South African icon Allan Donald.”