South Africa‘s premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada produced a sensational opening spell on Day 5 of the third and final Test against Australia, putting the visitors under enormous pressure in their pursuit of a challenging target. With the series decider reaching its climax at Cape Town, the Proteas needed early breakthroughs to defend their total of 287 runs, and Rabada delivered in spectacular fashion.
The right-arm pacer struck twice in his very first over before returning to dismiss another dangerous batter, leaving Australia in serious trouble during their fourth-innings chase of 288. The spell also saw Rabada reach a significant milestone in his illustrious Test career, adding another memorable achievement to his growing list of accomplishments.
Kagiso Rabada removes Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in opening over
Rabada wasted little time making his presence felt as he began Australia’s chase with a double-wicket over. His first breakthrough came against Matt Renshaw, who had been Australia’s leading run-scorer in the series. On the third delivery of the opening over, Rabada bowled a harmless-looking delivery angling down the leg side. Renshaw attempted to flick it towards the leg side but managed only a faint inside edge. Wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton reacted quickly, moving to his right to complete a comfortable catch.
Australia’s troubles deepened on the final delivery of the same over when Rabada sent Marnus Labuschagne back to the pavilion. The Proteas quick delivered a sharp nip-backer that struck the batter on his back pad as he attempted to leave the ball.
The on-field umpire raised his finger, prompting Labuschagne to review the decision. However, ball-tracking showed the delivery clipping the off stump, leaving the batter with no option but to depart. It was another disappointing moment for Labuschagne, who had struggled to make a significant contribution throughout the series.
Here’s the video:
A FIERY START TO THE DAY FROM RABADA 🔥🔥#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/wwmX6ma3j3
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 31, 2026
Also READ: 3 reasons why Marnus Labuschagne should be dropped from Australia’s Test team
Rabada dismisses Travis Head to complete 350 Test wickets
South Africa’s fast-bowling spearhead was not finished after his remarkable opening over. He returned to strike another crucial blow by removing Travis Head, who had the potential to turn Australia’s chase around with an aggressive innings. The dismissal came on the sixth delivery of the seventh over. Rabada bowled a full delivery at around 143 kmph outside the off stump, tempting Head into an expansive drive.
However, the Australian batter failed to get his feet moving properly and produced a thick outside edge. The ball travelled towards gully, where Marco Jansen held on to an excellent catch with both hands. The wicket sparked jubilant celebrations among the South African players, with Jansen throwing the ball into the air after completing the catch. Head’s departure left Australia three wickets down, making their already challenging assignment considerably tougher.
The dismissal of Head also carried enormous personal significance for Rabada, as it marked his 350th wicket in Test cricket.
The milestone represents another landmark in the career of one of South Africa’s most influential fast bowlers. Rabada has consistently delivered match-winning performances across conditions and against some of the strongest batting line-ups in international cricket. His extraordinary start on the final morning gave South Africa exactly the momentum they needed while defending their target of 288.
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