Rabada becomes fastest bowler to 350 Test wickets by balls bowled
KAGISO Rabada tore through Australia’s top order on the final day at Newlands, becoming the fastest bowler in Test history to take 350 wickets by balls bowled as South Africa defended a target of 288 in the series decider.
Travis Head was the landmark wicket. Rabada drew him forward with a full delivery outside off stump, and Marco Jansen held the edge at gully during Australia’s chase.
Rabada reached 350 wickets in 13,808 balls, beating the previous record of 14,719 set by fellow South African Dale Steyn. Waqar Younis is third on the list with 14,905 balls, followed by Malcolm Marshall (16,285) and Mitchell Starc (16,908).
By matches, Rabada reached the mark in 75 Tests, joint fourth-fastest among fast bowlers alongside Marshall. Richard Hadlee and Steyn share the overall record, having reached 350 wickets in 69 Tests.
The 30-year-old had made an immediate impact, striking twice in the opening over of Australia’s second innings. Matt Renshaw edged behind to Ryan Rickelton before Marnus Labuschagne was trapped lbw by an inswinger, leaving Australia under pressure early in the chase.
It is the second time Rabada has set a record for the speed of reaching a major Test wicket milestone. In October 2024, he became the fastest bowler to 300 Test wickets, taking 11,817 balls to get there.
He is now the fourth South African to claim 350 Test wickets, joining Steyn, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini.
