OTD| Kagiso Rabada took second-best match figures by a South African in the match against England in 2016

South Africa’s star speedster Kagiso Rabada has now become the leader of the attack for South Africa but he has earned that stature by showing up with match-winning performances for the team on crucial occasions. On this day Rabada became the youngest South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a match. Along with that, he also achieved the second-best figures for a South African in a match against England at Centurion in 2016.

First innings

Batting first South Africa ended up with 475 runs on the board courtesy of centuries from Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla, and Quinton De Kock. The Proteas started the match on a positive note and the South African bowlers backed it up with a brilliant bowling effort. Kagiso Rabada, in particular, was outstanding as he picked up 7 wickets in the first innings. 

He dismissed some big names in the English batting order including the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow. His 7 wickets wrapped up the English innings quite early and restricted them to 342 runs which gave South Africa a massive lead at the end of the first innings. 

Second Innings

The South Africans batted beautifully in the second innings as well which made it difficult for England to make a comeback. The Proteas declared their second innings with 248 runs in their account and a lead of 381 runs. The home side set up a challenging target for England and the South African bowlers made it even tougher for the visitors. 

Kagiso Rabada once again became a major threat to England as he did not give any space to the visitors to operate with freedom. Rabada picked up 6 wickets in the second innings and helped bowl out England for a paltry 101 runs. This bowling performance established the fast bowler as a reliable frontline wicket-taking option for South Africa. The Proteas won the match by 280 runs and Rabada was awarded the player of the match for his 13 wickets in the match.