South African pacer Kagiso Rabada showcased his bowling prowess with a sensational five-wicket haul against India on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Rabada’s stellar performance not only dismantled the Indian batting lineup but also marked a significant milestone in his career as he achieved the remarkable feat of completing 500 wickets in international cricket.
Rabada’s impact was felt early in the match when he dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for just 5 runs in the 5th over. After Lunch, he returned with renewed vigor to claim the crucial wickets of Shreyas Iyer, who was looking well set on 31, and the prized scalp of Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 38. These breakthroughs left India struggling at 107/5.
Continuing his onslaught, Rabada further dented India’s hopes by dismissing R Ashwin in the 35th over and later Shardul Thakur in the 47th over to complete his maiden five-wicket haul against India in Test cricket. His exceptional performance not only showcased his skill and precision but also highlighted his ability to thrive in pressure situations.
Rabada’s achievement of reaching 500 wickets in international cricket at the age of 28 solidifies his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. He joins an elite list of South African bowlers, including Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Allan Donald, Jacques Kallis, and Morne Morkel, who have left an indelible mark on the game with their bowling prowess.
With Rabada’s stellar display, South Africa gained the upper hand in the Boxing Day Test, putting India on the back foot early in the match. His consistent performance since his debut in 2014 has established him as a key player for the Proteas across all formats of the game.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Rabada as he continues to lead South Africa’s bowling attack with his skill, experience, and determination. His achievement serves as a testament to his dedication and talent, making him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
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