South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada produced a masterclass in seam bowling on the opening day of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. He claimed five wickets for just 51 runs in 15.4 overs, dismantling the Australian batting line-up and restricting them to 212 all out.
Rabada struck early, removing Usman Khawaja for just 12. Bowling with excellent line and length, he induced an edge which was safely taken by David Bedingham. Just three balls later, he dismissed Cameron Green in a similar fashion, with the edge flying to Aiden Markram at slip. With that wicket, Australia were in trouble at 16 for 2.
Returning later in the innings, Rabada clean bowled Australia captain Pat Cummins with a perfect delivery that nipped back and knocked over the stumps. He then removed BJ Webster with another thick edge, once again caught by Bedingham at slip. This was Rabada’s fourth wicket, taking him past the legendary Allan Donald’s record.
His fifth and final wicket came when he bowled Mitchell Starc. The ball came in sharply, sneaking through the gap between bat and pad to rattle the stumps. With that, Rabada completed his five-wicket haul.
Marco Jansen also chipped in with three crucial wickets, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Nathan Lyon. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram picked up a wicket each.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz