Kagiso Rabada Celebrates Historic ICC World Test Championship Win for South Africa
A Memorable Victory for South Africa
Johannesburg [South Africa], June 17: Kagiso Rabada, the star bowler for South Africa, expressed that the team's triumph in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia is a moment he will cherish forever, according to a statement from the ICC.
In the match held at Lord's, Rabada showcased his skills by taking nine wickets, stepping up as the leader of a formidable pace attack, as noted in the ICC's announcement.
With this performance, he surpassed Allan Donald to become the fourth-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test history, while also maintaining the best strike rate (38.9) among bowlers with over 150 wickets.
Despite his impressive individual achievement, Rabada emphasized the importance of teamwork, sharing the spotlight with his fellow players who contributed to this historic win.
"I don’t consider myself a star," he remarked, as per the ICC's report. "I view myself as someone dedicated to working hard, giving my all for this team, and striving for continuous improvement," Rabada added.
He further stated, "As a cricketer, my goal is always to enhance my skills and play with pride for the badge. I hope to inspire everyone to play with the same passion."
Rabada mentioned that his focus during matches is on taking wickets, rather than fixating on a specific number needed for victory. "I see every game as an opportunity to help the team by taking as many wickets as possible," he explained.
He acknowledged the collective effort of the team, stating, "Playing for South Africa is not a coincidence; it’s a privilege. We are a relatively inexperienced squad that came together about a year ago, and to achieve this is remarkable. This moment will be unforgettable for all of us," Rabada reflected.
Setting the tone early in the Final, Rabada dismissed Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over, a feat he replicated in the second innings.
His first innings figures of 5/51 made him only the second player to have his name on the honors boards in both the home and away dressing rooms at Lord's, joining the ranks of Gordon Greenidge, and he added four more wickets in the second innings.
"I’ve been putting in a lot of effort, especially during those crucial second innings spells when fatigue sets in," he noted. "It was essential to remain composed and focus on the task at hand. The game was intense, with five wickets falling in rapid succession," he added.
Rabada also shared insights on mental resilience, stating, "In critical moments, there are often two voices in your head: one that doubts and one that believes. We choose to nurture the voice of belief, especially during significant events like the World Test Championship Final."
His outstanding performance against Australia continues a strong trend, as he has now taken 58 Test wickets against them at an impressive average of 21.39.
This match adds another chapter to the rich history of encounters between these two cricketing giants, and Rabada described the feeling of claiming the trophy from the reigning champions as surreal.
"Australia is a seasoned team, and with all due respect, they have some experienced players who have been around since our high school days," Rabada remarked.
"For the younger players, understanding the significance of this moment is crucial. It’s a special achievement, and it hasn’t fully registered yet," he concluded.
Rabada expressed optimism, stating, "This victory has instilled confidence in us that we can achieve this again."