Rabada’s record day as South Africa gain edge over Bangladesh

Kagiso Rabada became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets as South Africa posted 140-6 in response to Bangladesh’s 106 all out on the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur on Monday.

Bangladesh, having won the toss and elected to bat, struggled on a lively pitch. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scored with 30, but four of the top six batsmen failed to reach double figures. Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj each took three wickets, with Rabada claiming his 300th scalp by bowling Mushfiqur Rahim for 11.

Rabada reached the milestone in just 11,817 deliveries, beating Waqar Younis’ previous record of 12,602 balls. He soon added a 301st wicket, dismissing Litton Das for one, as Bangladesh crumbled in 40.1 overs.

South Africa’s reply saw early setbacks as Hasan Mahmud removed captain Aiden Markram for six in the first over. Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam, standing in for the absent Shakib Al Hasan, shone with the ball, taking 5-46. He became the second Bangladeshi to claim 200 Test wickets, after Shakib.

At stumps, South Africa led by 34 runs with Wiaan Mulder (17) and Kyle Verreynne (18) unbeaten at the crease.

The second Test begins in Chattogram on October 29.

(Source: AFP)