Kagiso Rabada scripts history, reaches rare Test milestone in fewer balls than Dale Steyn | Cricket News

Kagiso Rabada. left, celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Mitchell Starc, on day four of the second cricket test match between South Africa and Australia, in Gqeberha, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (AP Photo)

Kagiso Rabada became only the fourth South African bowler to take 200 Test wickets on home soil, joining some of the country’s biggest names in the record books.Rabada, who returned to competitive cricket for the first time since the Indian Premier League (IPL) final, dismissed Nic Maddinson and Mitchell Starc in the first innings to finish with figures of 2/33 in 12 overs.In 38 home Tests, Rabada has taken 200 wickets at an average of 20.06. His record includes 10 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, with best bowling figures of 7/112. He joins Dale Steyn (261 wickets), Makhaya Ntini (249) and Shaun Pollock (235) on the list.Only Steyn reached 200 home Test wickets in fewer matches, taking 37 Tests compared to Rabada’s 38. However, Rabada reached the milestone in just 7,017 balls, the fewest by any bowler, surpassing Steyn’s 7,751.Overall, Rabada has taken 342 wickets in 74 Tests at an average of 22.01. He has 17 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, with best figures of 7/112. He is South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.Meanwhile, South Africa fought back in the ongoing Test by bowling Australia out for just 99 in their first innings and enforcing the follow-on. Steven Smith was the only Australian batter to score 20 or more, making 28 off 88 balls with two fours. Marco Jansen led the attack with 5/33, while Rabada took 2/33 and Wiaan Mulder returned figures of 2/13.South Africa had also faced difficulties with the bat earlier in the match, slipping to 110/6 on the third day after rain had allowed little play over the first two days. Captain Temba Bavuma then led the recovery with 179 off 334 balls, including 18 fours and a six.Bavuma first added 132 runs with Jansen, who scored 85 off 100 balls with nine fours and three sixes. He then put on another 183 runs with Simon Harmer, who made 82 off 157 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six. Their efforts took South Africa to 425/9 declared, a turnaround after Scott Boland’s 5/81 had put the hosts under pressure.Australia currently lead the three-match series 1-0. With one day remaining in the Test, South Africa have a chance to level the series at 1-1.