Kagiso Rabada overtakes Waqar Younis's long-standing Test record

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada sets a new record by becoming fastest to 300 Test wickets, overtaking Younis

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada made history during the first Test against Bangladesh, surpassing Pakistan’s legendary pacer Waqar Younis to become the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets by deliveries bowled.

Rabada achieved the milestone with just 11,817 deliveries, beating Waqar’s record of 12,602.

The milestone came as Rabada dismissed Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 11 runs, on the opening day of the Test series.

Bangladesh struggled significantly, collapsing for just 106 runs, with only Mahmudul Hasan Joy managing a top score of 30.

Rabada, alongside Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, dominated the Bangladeshi batting order, each securing three wickets to put South Africa in control.

The day ended on a high note for the Proteas as Rabada etched his name into cricketing history with his record-breaking performance.

This Test series, marked by Rabada’s achievement, is taking place amidst political unrest in Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid.

 

Notably absent from the series is all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who had planned to play his final Test series at home but opted out due to security concerns stemming from the ongoing turmoil.

Shakib, a member of parliament for the Awami League, has recently been implicated in a murder case linked to the protests, adding further complexity to the situation.