Day 1 of the 1st Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka saw a remarkable moment in cricketing history as Kagiso Rabada became the sixth South African bowler to join the illustrious 300 Test wickets club. His entry into this elite league places him among some of South Africa’s greatest fast bowling legends, including Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald. Rabada, known for his fierce pace and unrelenting consistency, marked this career milestone with a delivery that could only be described as cricketing perfection.

The perfect delivery: Kagiso Rabada’s 300th test wicket

Rabada’s 300th wicket came in the 14th over of Bangladesh’s innings, and it was an absolute beauty. Bowling to Mushfiqur Rahim, one of Bangladesh’s most seasoned batters, Rabada delivered a length ball just outside off stump that jagged back in slightly. Mushfiqur, who had looked somewhat settled after scoring 11 runs, found himself in two minds – unsure whether to play at it or leave it.

He chose to defend, but the ball sneaked through the narrow gap between his bat and pad, crashing into the stumps. It was a sight to behold, as the stumps shattered and the South African fielders erupted in celebration. This dismissal perfectly encapsulated Rabada’s brilliance – pace, control, and subtle movement. This key wicket not only ended Mushfiqur’s brief resistance but also deepened Bangladesh’s early batting woes, leaving them reeling at a critical juncture in the match.

Here’s the video:

Wicket number 300 for Kagiso Rabada🔥

He is the only bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach the milestone with a strike rate of less than 40.😮#BANvSAonFanCode pic.twitter.com/XFrxe6dlQq

— FanCode (@FanCode) October 21, 2024

Joining South Africa’s fast bowling elite

By achieving 300 Test wickets in just 65 matches, Rabada became the third-fastest South African bowler to reach this prestigious landmark, only behind Steyn, who reached the milestone in 61 Tests, and Donald, who did so in 63. Rabada’s rapid rise to 300 wickets highlights his exceptional talent and consistency in the Test format, putting him in the same conversation as South Africa’s all-time great fast bowlers. His ability to produce match-winning spells in all conditions has made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Rabada’s success in Test cricket is a testament to his relentless work ethic and hunger for wickets.

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Early domination: Bangladesh’s batting order in shambles

The first session of the Test match belonged entirely to South Africa, with both Rabada and Wiaan Mulder causing havoc. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh’s top-order collapse began almost immediately. Mulder, sharing the new ball with Rabada, delivered a devastating spell of fast bowling, tearing through Bangladesh’s top three batters.

In just the first over, Mulder struck, removing opener Shadman Islam for a four-ball duck with a well-directed outswinger. The early blow put Bangladesh on the back foot, and things only worsened from there. Mulder returned in his second over to claim the wicket of Mominul Haque, trapping him leg-before with a ball that straightened off the seam.

By the time Mulder removed Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with a sharp bouncer in his third over, Bangladesh were left struggling at 21/3. At the end of the first session, Bangladesh’s batting lineup was in tatters, reduced to 60/6 with no signs of recovery in sight. Rabada and Mulder’s unrelenting pressure proved too much for the Bangladesh batters, as they failed to find any rhythm or momentum.

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