Kagiso Rabada Surpasses Allan Donald as South Africa's Fourth-Highest Wicket-Taker

Rabada Achieves Milestone Despite Bangladesh's Resilience

Johannesburg, South Africa - November 15: Kagiso Rabada has officially surpassed the legendary Allan Donald to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in international cricket. His impressive five-wicket haul, however, was somewhat overshadowed by a remarkable recovery from Bangladesh on the first day of the opening Test.

Rabada's performance included five wickets for 51 runs, bringing his overall international tally to 606 wickets across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, thus eclipsing Donald's total of 602. As reported by Cricinfo, Shaun Pollock holds the record for the most wickets by a South African with 823, followed by Dale Steyn with 697 and Makhaya Ntini with 661.

Additionally, Rabada achieved his 18th five-wicket haul in Test matches, tying him with Ntini for third place on South Africa's all-time list. Donald is second with 20 five-wicket hauls, while Steyn leads with 26.

Despite Rabada's achievements, Bangladesh made a commendable recovery from a shaky 121 for five to finish the day at 327 for six, largely due to a stellar century from Towhid Hridoy and an unbeaten half-century from Litton Das.

The pair formed an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 206 runs, marking the highest stand by a Bangladesh duo against South Africa in any Test format. Hridoy scored a fluent 137 off 208 balls, while Litton remained not out on 92.

Bangladesh's innings began poorly, with Rabada striking twice early on, and debutant Mahfijul Islam dismissed for a first-ball duck. Mominul Haque also fell without scoring, and Rabada's superb delivery sent captain Najmul Hossain Shanto back to the pavilion, leaving Bangladesh in a tough spot at 22 for three.

However, Tanzid Hasan and Hridoy steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Tanzid contributed 67 runs before Rabada returned after lunch to dismiss him and Mushfiqur Rahim in quick succession, completing his five-wicket haul.

With Bangladesh under pressure at 121 for five, Litton joined Hridoy to turn the match around. The duo exhibited remarkable composure and aggression, taking advantage of South Africa's inconsistent bowling.

Hridoy celebrated his maiden Test century against South Africa, becoming only the second Bangladeshi player to achieve this milestone, following Mahmudul Hasan Joy in 2022.

As Day 2 approaches, South Africa will aim to break Litton's resistance early, while Bangladesh will look to build on their impressive recovery.