Kagiso Rabada won the massive battle against Rohit Sharma during the first Test match between India and South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Rabada got the better of Rohit early in the match to put India on the back foot.
The two-star players have engaged in several memorable battles on the field over the years and Rabada has held an edge over the Indian skipper with a tremendous record against him.
It was the 13th time in international cricket when Rabada dismissed Rohit – which is the most by any bowler. Meanwhile, the Indian skipper became Rabada’s victim for the sixth time in Test – most by a pacer.
Most times dismissing Rohit Sharma in international cricket:
13 – Kagiso Rabada
12 – Tim Southee
10 – Angelo Mathews
9 – Nathan Lyon
8 – Trent Boult
It was the final ball of the fifth over when Rohit played his favourite pull shot in an attempt to score big and was caught by Nandre Burger for just 5.
He also became the seventh Proteas bowler to claim 500 international wickets.
Rabada bowled two of the most intimidating and incisive spells witnessed in recent times to completely rock the Indian batting line-up, which struggled to 176 for 7 at tea on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa here Tuesday.
One of the finest fast bowlers in contemporary cricket, Rabada (5/41 in 15 overs) bowled an absolute peach to dismiss Virat Kohli (38 off 64 balls) with the old ball after having bounced out Indian skipper Rohit Sharma (5) in his first spell.
In between, Shreyas Iyer (31 off 50 balls), who lived dangerously, got a shooter that completely exposed his defence.
Rabada’s 14th five-wicket haul in Tests also comprised the scalp of Ravichandran Ashwin, who was completely rocked by extra bounce, and Shardul Thakur (24), who after a gutsy effort was softened by a bouncer and then taken out with a length delivery.
The start was delayed by 30 minutes because of damp patches on a pitch which had been under cover for 40 hours before Tuesday morning because of rain. There was plenty of assistance for the bowlers, but only new cap Nandre Burger offered consistent support to Rabada.
South African captain Temba Bavuma left the field with a strained left hamstring injury before lunch and did not reappear.
A bulletin from the South African dressing room stated that there would be “daily medical evaluations to determine his participation in the match”.
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