Rabada’s achievement places him in elite company, joining legendary South African bowlers Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, and Shaun Pollock. While Steyn reached the 200-wicket mark at home in 37 matches—one fewer than Rabada’s 38—the current star surpassed his predecessor in terms of efficiency. Rabada reached the milestone in just 7,017 balls, setting a new record for the fewest deliveries taken by any South African bowler to reach the tally, comfortably beating Steyn’s previous mark of 7,751 balls.
A dominant display in a crucial series
The milestone performance arrived as South Africa mounted a significant comeback against Australia. After the hosts were initially reduced to 110/6, captain Temba Bavuma anchored a remarkable recovery with a commanding 179 off 334 balls. Bavuma’s innings was bolstered by two vital partnerships: a 132-run stand with Marco Jansen, who contributed 85, and a 183-run collaboration with Simon Harmer, who added 82. These efforts allowed South Africa to declare at 425/9, despite an earlier five-wicket haul from Scott Boland.
With the bat, Australia struggled to find momentum, eventually being bowled out for just 99 in their first innings. Marco Jansen spearheaded the bowling attack with 5/33, while Rabada and Wiaan Mulder both claimed two wickets apiece to help enforce the follow-on. Steven Smith provided the only real resistance for the visitors, scoring 28 off 88 balls.
Context and career statistics
Across his 38 home Tests, Rabada has maintained an impressive average of 20.06, with 10 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls to his name. His career-best figures of 7/112 remain a highlight of his domestic record. On the global stage, Rabada has now accumulated 342 wickets in 74 Tests at an average of 22.01, cementing his status as South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in the format.
As the match heads into its final day, South Africa remains in a strong position to level the three-match series at 1-1, having already conceded the opening game to Australia. The hosts will look to build on their momentum and secure a result that would keep their series ambitions alive.
