Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s ace fast bowler, is back at the pinnacle of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings, following an outstanding performance against Bangladesh in their first Test match.
With an impressive nine wickets under his belt, Rabada played a crucial role in leading his team to victory.
Dominance in Mirpur
During the match in Mirpur, the 29-year-old bowler showcased his exceptional skills, helping the Proteas secure a seven-wicket win.
Not only did he take nine wickets, but he also made history by becoming the fastest player to reach 300 Test wickets, surpassing the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Josh Hazlewood.
Continuing the Momentum
In the second Test, Rabada maintained his remarkable form, contributing to South Africa’s success by bowling out Bangladesh for a mere 159 runs in the first innings.
With five wickets at an economy rate of 4.11, he continued to demonstrate his prowess and determination on the field.
In just two Test matches, Rabada has already taken a remarkable total of 14 wickets.
A Look Back at Achievements
Kagiso Rabada first claimed the top ranking in January 2018 after a stellar performance in the Newlands Test against India.
He held this prestigious position for a significant portion of the following year, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the game.
De Zorzi’s Stellar Performance
In the second Test, Proteas opener Tony de Zorzi also made headlines with a career-best score of 177.
His exceptional innings helped South Africa post a formidable total of 575/6 before declaring, further enhancing the team’s position in the match.
Mental and Physical Preparation
Reflecting on his success, Rabada emphasized the importance of mental focus and physical fitness in cricket.
He mentioned, “Once you get in, it becomes pretty much just [about] your decision-making and your ability to stay focused.
It’s definitely mental, but you also have to be physically fit enough to be able to do it and concentrate for long periods of time.”
He added, “To do it for a long time, you’ve got to be 100% present as much as you can and focused.”
What Lies Ahead?
With Rabada’s return to the top and the Proteas performing well, cricket fans eagerly await what’s next for this dynamic team.
The combination of skill, mental fortitude, and physical fitness will be key as they continue their campaign against Bangladesh and beyond.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn