Kagiso Rabada of South Africa became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets on the first day of the first Test match against Bangladesh.
His outstanding effort paved the way for South Africa’s dominant performance by helping to eliminate Bangladesh for a pitiful 106 runs.
In a thrilling first day of the first Test, South Africa scored 140 for 6 on Monday after Bangladesh fell to 106 all out, with Kagiso Rabada celebrating becoming the fastest player to reach 300 Test wickets. Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne were not out for 17 and 18, respectively, as the visitors took the lead at stumps at Mirpur, reaching 140 for 6 in 41 overs in reply.
Bangladesh chose to bat after winning the toss, however on a fast-paced pitch, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy high-scored with 30 runs, while four of their top six batters fell short of double figures. For South Africa, seamers Rabada, Mulder, and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj each claimed three wickets.
He defeated Pakistan’s Waqar Younis (12,602 balls) to accomplish the achievement in the shortest time ever, 11,817 balls.
Litton Das was dismissed for one as Rabada quickly reached 301 Test wickets, leaving Bangladesh in ruins after being dismissed for 106 in 40.1 overs.
“Really surprised at how the wicket played out” was Rabada’s statement.
“Test cricket should offer a fair contest between bat and ball, where bowlers get something if they bowl well, and batters can score if they apply themselves,” he stated.
“With 16 wickets on day one, I’d say it’s leaning towards the bowlers,” he stated.
After the innings change, right-arm seamer Hasan Mahmud removed South African captain Aiden Markram for six off seven deliveries, giving Bangladesh their first victory in the opening over.
After taking a five-for, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who was Bangladesh’s primary seamer while Shakib Al Hasan was not available, gave his team a boost. He became just the second Bangladeshi to collect 200 wickets in Test matches after Shakib.
“Many bowlers have 200, or 300-400 wickets,” Taijul remarked. “But we don’t play many Test matches — still, I’m one of the Bangladeshi bowlers who have 200 wickets, and I’m happy for this.”
Also Read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Prize Money Breakdown and Historic Win for New Zealand
Perhaps the match was “still in our hands” to win, he said, boosting the team’s morale.
The Test is Bangladesh’s first international cricket match since autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in August by a student-led uprising.
All-rounder Shakib is missing for Bangladesh after he had to postpone his intentions to travel home because to security concerns.
Last month, Shakib declared his intention to play one final red-ball series at home before retiring from international cricket.
A target of public ire, the 37-year-old was also a former MP in the government that was overthrown by the revolution.
South Africa has never been defeated by Bangladesh in a Test match. On October 29, the second Test will start in Chattogram.