Kagiso Rabada Achieves Milestone as Fastest Bowler to 350 Test Wickets

In a remarkable achievement, South African bowler Kagiso Rabada has become the fastest player to reach 350 Test wickets during the third Test against Australia. This milestone, accomplished in just 75 matches and 13,808 balls, surpasses the previous record held by Dale Steyn. Rabada's performance included key wickets that set the tone for the match, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill. This article delves into Rabada's historic feat and its significance in the world of cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 17:05 IST

Rabada Makes History in Cape Town Test

File image of South African bowler Kagiso Rabada(Photo: @CricCrazyJohns/X)

Cape Town, Oct 31: South African pacer Kagiso Rabada made headlines during the third Test against Australia at Newlands, achieving a remarkable milestone of 350 Test wickets on Day 5. This accomplishment makes him the fastest bowler to reach this landmark based on the number of balls bowled.

Rabada secured this achievement by dismissing Australian batsman Travis Head while defending a target of 288 runs in this crucial Test match. He tempted Head into a drive with a fuller delivery outside off stump, leading to an edge that was caught by Marco Jansen in the gully, prompting celebrations among the South African team.

With this wicket, Rabada not only reached his 350th Test wicket but also set a record for the fewest balls bowled to achieve this milestone. He accomplished this feat in just 13,808 deliveries, surpassing the previous record held by fellow South African Dale Steyn.

Fastest to 350 Test wickets:

13,808 - Kagiso Rabada*

14,719 - Dale Steyn

14,905 - Waqar Younis

16,285 - Malcolm Marshall

16,908 - Mitchell Starc

Rabada's achievement came in his 75th Test match, tying him for the fourth-fewest matches played by a fast bowler to reach this mark, alongside the legendary Malcolm Marshall. The record for the fewest matches is jointly held by Richard Hadlee and Steyn, both of whom achieved this in 69 Tests.

Quickest fast bowlers to 350 Test wickets:

69 - Richard Hadlee / Dale Steyn

70 - Dennis Lillee

74 - Glenn McGrath

75 - Malcolm Marshall / Kagiso Rabada

78 - Waqar Younis

79 - Imran Khan

On Day 5, Rabada provided an explosive start for the Proteas, taking two wickets in his first over. He dismissed Matt Renshaw, who edged a delivery to Ryan Rickelton, and followed it up by trapping Marnus Labuschagne LBW with an inswinger. Labuschagne reviewed the decision, but the ball was shown to be hitting the stumps, leading to his dismissal.