Cape Town, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada created history on Saturday during the second innings of the third Test against Australia at Newlands, becoming the fastest bowler to claim 350 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled.
The Proteas pacer achieved the milestone on Day 5 of the series-deciding Test when he dismissed Australian batter Travis Head during South Africa’s defence of a 288-run target.
Rabada drew Head into playing a drive with a fuller delivery outside off stump. The Australian opener edged the ball behind, where Marco Jansen took the catch at gully, prompting celebrations among the South African players.
The wicket took Rabada to 350 in Test cricket, making him the quickest bowler to reach the landmark in terms of deliveries bowled. He achieved the feat in 13,808 balls, surpassing compatriot Dale Steyn, who previously held the record.
Fewest balls 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 reached the milestone in his 75th Test, placing him joint fourth among fast bowlers in terms of the fewest matches taken to claim 350 wickets. He shares the position with West Indies great Malcolm Marshall.
The record is jointly held by Richard Hadlee and Dale Steyn, who both reached the landmark in 69 Tests.
Fastest pacers to 350 Test wickets:
- 69 Tests – Richard Hadlee / Dale Steyn
- 70 Tests – Dennis Lillee
- 74 Tests – Glenn McGrath
- 75 Tests – Malcolm Marshall / Kagiso Rabada
- 78 Tests – Waqar Younis
- 79 Tests – Imran Khan
Rabada also gave South Africa a flying start with the ball on Day 5, dismissing Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the opening over.
He first removed Renshaw on the third delivery of the innings. The Australian opener attempted to guide the ball towards the leg side but edged it behind, where Ryan Rickelton completed the catch.
Three balls later, Rabada trapped Labuschagne leg-before with an inswinging delivery. The Australian No. 3 did not offer a shot and was struck just above the knee roll. Labuschagne reviewed the decision, but the ball was hitting the wickets on umpire’s call, forcing him to walk back to the pavilion.
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