SA Vs AUS: Kagiso Rabada Overtakes Allan Donald To Achieve Massive Milestone During WTC 2025 Final

There are moments in sport when talent, timing, and history collide. Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s was exactly that for Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s relentless pace spearhead. Amid overcast skies and the infamous Lord’s slope, Rabada produced a spell that not only rocked Australia but rewrote history books—surpassing the legendary Allan Donald to claim his place as South Africa’s fourth-most prolific Test wicket-taker.

A Record-Chasing Start

Needing just one wicket to eclipse Donald’s tally of 330, Rabada entered the contest with more than personal pride on the line. With the Duke’s ball swinging and gripping, he seized the moment. His contaminating rhythm began with early bombardment of Usman Khawaja, and the wickets tumbled—from Khawaja to Green, Webster, Cummins, and Starc—delivered with precision and venom on a morning that belonged to Rabada. He wound up with match figures of 5/51 from 15.4 overs, pushing his Test wicket count to 332 in just 71 matches, surpassing Donald’s record set in 72 matches.

In doing so, Rabada joined an elite roster in Proteas history:

439 – Dale Steyn
421 – Shaun Pollock
390 – Makhaya Ntini
332 – Kagiso Rabada
330 – Allan Donald.

This milestone isn’t just personal—it’s symbolic of Rabada’s rise to join South African wicket-taking royalty.

Lord’s, the Slope, and Swing: Rabada’s Masterclass

Lord’s is not for the faint-hearted. The slope, Dukes seam, and English weather can befuddle even the best. But Rabada, who had earlier served a brief suspension, arrived with poise. He delivered three consecutive maidens to start his spell, unsettling Khawaja from ball one, before sealing the opener’s fate .

Former Proteas legend Dale Steyn watched with admiration:

“When he senses an opportunity, he goes for the kill… He is just a fantastic bowler… on Day 1, he was outstanding.”

Australia’s Steve Smith echoed similar praise:

“He can shape the ball both ways. He’s relentless… His record speaks for itself.”

And neutral expert Stuart Broad, acting as South Africa’s consultant, quipped:

“I’m a neutral now… but with a bit of a smile about how Kagiso Rabada is bowling.”

Rabada’s mastery of swing and seam, delivered with fierce pace and accuracy, all but demolished Australia’s top order and cements his position as one of the era’s dominant pacers.

Five-Wicket Feat in WTC Final History

Day 1’s bowling display was more than just a personal milestone—it was historically significant in the landscape of ICC Finals. Rabada became only the second bowler ever to claim a five-for in a WTC Final, following Kyle Jamieson’s similar feat in 2021. He’s also only the second South African to claim a five-wicket haul in a major ICC final, joining Jacques Kallis, who took 5/30 in the 1998 Knockout Trophy.

Additionally, in ICC knockout matches overall, Rabada’s consistency shines through: 11 wickets in 5 such games at an average of 19.27, tying with greats like Pollock and Donald, trailing only Kallis (14).

Lord’s: Rabada’s Fortress

The venue has become a happy hunting ground. In just three Lord’s Tests, Rabada has claimed 18 wickets at a staggering average of 16.83—surpassing Morne Morkel’s 15 to become South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at Lord’s, and one of only three (with Donald and Ntini) to record multiple five-fors there.

A Team Boost Amid Early Drama

Rabada’s brilliance helped dismantle Australia for a modest 212, giving South Africa a tangible advantage. But like all great contests, the pendulum swung back. Australia’s pace battery—Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins—returned fire, skittling the Proteas to 43/4 by stumps, keeping the match finely balanced.

What It All Means

🧭 Historical Validation: Rabada’s elevation past Donald cements his legacy among South Africa’s elite.
🌍 Enviable Form: Dominating at Lord’s and in ICC finals showcases his elite temperament and skill.
⚔️ Catalyst Bowler: His early strike set the tone, and the team’s fightback reinforces the match’s sagacity.
🎯 Knockout DNA: Rabada’s performances in big matches continue to define him as a match-winner.

Looking Ahead

Day 2 promises to be enthralling. Can South Africa rebuild in their second innings? Will Rabada strike again, or will Australia’s trio maintain their momentum? With the match in the balance, both sides will rely on discipline, mindset, and execution.

Final Thoughts

Kagiso Rabada’s Day 1 spell at Lord’s was more than a salvo—it was a statement piece. His five-wicket haul spoke volumes: of skill, timing, and a hunger for triumph. By eclipsing Allan Donald’s long-standing record and reinforcing his dominance at the highest level, Rabada showcased why he’s become one of world cricket’s defining fast bowlers.

If cricket is a game of momentum, Rabada seized it, delivered it, and stamped his legacy. Now, as the match progresses, the question isn’t whether he’s a great—but how far he will propel South Africa toward WTC glory.

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