Kagiso Rabada delivered a spell of sheer brilliance on Day 4 of the Cape Town Test between South Africa and Pakistan, underlining why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. His standout moment came when he dismissed Ghulam with an exceptional delivery.
Kagiso Rabada’s fierce send-off to Kamran Ghulam
On the last ball of the 67th over, bowling a full-length ball around the off-stump, Rabada got the ball to shape back in sharply, leaving Ghulam guessing. The batter, attempting an expansive drive, misjudged the line completely, playing for a straight delivery. However, the ball zipped through the narrow gap between bat and pad, sending the off-stump cartwheeling dramatically.
Rabada is renowned not just for his remarkable bowling skills but also for his fiery demeanor on the field, and his celebration after dismissing Ghulam was no exception. The South African pacer’s aggressive reaction was a vivid display of raw emotion and competitive spirit. After sending Ghulam’s off stump flying with a sharp, inswinging delivery, Rabada let out a primal roar, pumping his fists and sprinting down the pitch, radiating sheer energy. This wicket not only tilted the momentum in South Africa’s favor but also marked Rabada’s 50th Test scalp at the historic Newlands, cementing his legacy at the venue where he continues to mesmerize fans and opponents alike.
Here’s the video:
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Pakistan’s stunning fightback in the Cape Town Test
Meanwhile, After a first-innings collapse that saw Pakistan bundled out for just 194, the visitors mounted an inspiring fightback when forced to follow on. Facing a daunting 421-run deficit, Pakistan’s opening pair of Shan Masood and Babar Azam displayed remarkable grit and determination. The duo added a record-breaking 205-run partnership, defying the South African bowlers on a docile wicket. Babar, the epitome of composure, scored 81 runs off 170 balls, anchoring the innings with his textbook strokes. Shan Masood, under pressure after his failure in the first innings, silenced critics with a captain’s knock, crafting a much-awaited century that laid the foundation for Pakistan’s resistance.
South Africa seal series with commanding win
Despite Pakistan’s spirited resurgence, South Africa wrapped up the match emphatically inside four days, securing a 2-0 series victory. Chasing a modest target of 58, South Africa made light work of the chase, thanks to David Bedingham’s explosive cameo. Promoted to open due to Ryan Rickelton’s hamstring strain, Bedingham smashed 44 runs off just 30 balls, steering South Africa to victory with all 10 wickets in hand in just 7.1 overs. Earlier in the day, Rabada (3/115) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (3/137) kept chipping away at Pakistan’s batting lineup, ensuring the hosts maintained control despite Masood’s valiant 145.
Also READ: Fans go berserk as South Africa annihilates Pakistan in Cape Town Test, sealing the series 2-0
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