Kagiso Rabada’s script history reached a rare Test milestone in fewer balls than Dale Steyn

Kagiso Rabada. left, celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Mitchell Starc, on the fourth day of the second cricket test match between South Africa and Australia, in Gqeberha, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (AP Photo) Kagiso Rabada has become 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 domestic Tests, Rabada took 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 goals), Makhaya Ntini (249) and Shaun Pollock (235) on the list.Only Steyn has reached 200 domestic Test wickets in fewer matches, completing 37 Tests compared to Rabada’s 38. However, Rabada reached the milestone in just 7,017 balls, the fewest by any bowler, eclipsing Steyn’s 7,751.Overall, Rabada took 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 run-getter in Test cricket.Meanwhile, South Africa fought back in the ongoing Test by bowling out Australia for just 99 in their first innings and pushing for another. Steven Smith was the only Australian batsman 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 also struggled with the bat earlier in the match, slumping to 110/6 on the third day after rain allowed little play on 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 scoring 85 off 100 balls with nine fours and three sixes. He then put on another 183 runs with Simon Harmer making 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 put the hosts under pressure.Australia currently leads the three-match series 1-0. With one day left in the Test, South Africa have a chance to level the series at 1-1.