Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia saw a dramatic battle unfold as the Pat Cummins-led Australian side posted 212 runs in their first innings. South Africa ended the day struggling at 43/4, trailing by 169 runs. However, Kagiso Rabada stunning performance with the ball was the major highlight of the day.
Rabada led South Africa’s bowling attack with precision and pace, removing Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja for a duck early on. He maintained pressure throughout the innings, dismissing Cameron Green for just four runs and claiming key wickets including Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. Rabada’s five-wicket haul played a crucial role in limiting Australia to a modest total.
Rabada Reflects on Day 1 Performance and Celebrates Personal Milestone
Speaking to reporters after stumps, Rabada expressed mixed feelings about the bowling effort. “212, we’d take that. We thought we should’ve had them at 160, but that’s just the way the game goes,” he said. He acknowledged that South Africa had opportunities to finish the Australian innings earlier but appreciated the total they eventually restricted them to.
Rabada also spoke about Beau Webster’s innings, which briefly steadied Australia after a middle-order collapse. Webster scored a vital 72 off 92 balls, showing resilience and intent. “Yeah, he didn’t start off too well there, looked like he was going to get out any ball but I guess his positive intent got him through,” Rabada commented.
In addition to his Day 1 heroics, Rabada achieved a personal milestone. His five-wicket haul marked his 17th in Test cricket and took him past South African legend Alan Donald in the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Rabada now stands as South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, further cementing his place as a modern great in world cricket.
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