Record alert! Kagiso Rabada surpasses Allan Donald in South Africa's all-time wicket tally
Kagiso Rabada added another milestone to his illustrious career on Sunday, surpassing legendary fast bowler Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in international cricket. However, the landmark moment was followed by a spirited Bangladesh fightback on the opening day of the first Test.
Rabada claimed five wickets for 51 runs to take his international tally across Tests, ODIs and T20Is to 606, moving past Donald's 602. Shaun Pollock leads the South African charts with 823 wickets, followed by Dale Steyn (697) and Makhaya Ntini (661).
The 31-year-old also registered his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket , drawing level with Ntini for joint-third place on South Africa's all-time list. Donald is second with 20 five-fors, while Steyn leads the standings with 26.
Rabada strikes early as Bangladesh lose top order
Rabada made an immediate impact, striking twice in the opening exchanges as Bangladesh endured a difficult start. Debutant Mahfijul Islam fell for a first-ball duck, while Mominul Haque also departed without scoring.
The fast bowler then produced a superb delivery to dismiss Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, leaving the visitors reeling at 22/3.
Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy attempted to stabilise the innings with a valuable partnership. Tanzid scored 67 before Rabada returned after lunch to remove him and Mushfiqur Rahim in quick succession, completing his five-wicket haul.
Bangladesh were struggling at 121/5, but the contest took a dramatic turn thereafter.
Hridoy, Litton script remarkable recovery
Hridoy found an able partner in Litton Das as the duo turned the innings around with an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 206 runs, the highest partnership by a Bangladesh pair against South Africa in their Test encounters.
Hridoy produced a magnificent 137 off 208 deliveries, registering his maiden Test century against South Africa. He became only the second Bangladesh batter to score a Test hundred against the Proteas after Mahmudul Hasan Joy in 2022.
Litton, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 92 as Bangladesh finished the opening day at 327/6, recovering from a precarious position to take control of the innings.