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Rabada spearheads South Africa's biggest win

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada led a ruthless bowling performance as South Africa completed an innings and 254 run win on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh at Mangaung Oval on Sunday (08).

It was the biggest win in South Africa's Test history, surpassing the innings and 229 run victory over Sri Lanka in Cape Town in 2000/01.


Rabada took five for 30 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 172, a slight improvement on their first innings of 147 in reply to South Africa's 573 for four declared.

Rabada, 22, who had match figures of 10 for 63, became the youngest of 16 South Africans to take 100 Test wickets. He was playing in his 22nd Test. Only Vernon Philander (19) and Dale Steyn (20) of his compatriots have achieved the feat in fewer matches.

It was Rabada's third 10-wicket haul in Tests. He took his tally of Test wickets in 2017 to 54, the most by any bowler this year.

It was another poor performance by Bangladesh on a pitch which had bounce but was not especially bowler-friendly.

A small group of Bangladesh supporters cheered during a bright fifth wicket stand of 43 between Mahmudullah, who top-scored with 43, and Liton Das, who made 18. But their team gave them little else to applaud.

Rabada and Duanne Olivier were aggressive from the start of play, when Bangladesh resumed on seven for no wicket. They sent down numerous short-pitched deliveries and three batsmen were struck on their batting helmets, including captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who had lengthy treatment on the field after ducking into a bouncer from Olivier with his score on 11 soon after the mid-morning drinks break. He was hit on his helmet near the temple area.

Rahim was dazed and lay down next to the pitch while the Bangladesh team physiotherapist and South African team doctor attended to him. He carried on batting for another 50 minutes until he was leg before wicket to Wayne Parnell for 26 in the last over before lunch.

Rahim was stretchered off the field after being hit behind the left ear by a bouncer from New Zealand's Tim Southee in Wellington in January but was released from hospital the same day.

Mominul Haque was hit by a bouncer from Rabada two balls before hooking the same bowler to be caught at deep square leg for 11, while Mahmudullah was hit by Olivier before he had scored.

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India vs Australia

India suffered a 10-wicket defeat inside three days in Adelaide Test. (Photo: Getty Images)

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India face challenges in third Test against Australia at Gabba

INDIA head to Brisbane for the third Test against Australia, starting Saturday, amid concerns over captain Rohit Sharma's form and the fitness of pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Australia, buoyed by their strong showing in Adelaide, aim to build on the momentum.
Rohit, who missed India’s win in the series opener in Perth to attend the birth of his son, returned for the Adelaide Test but dropped down the order and managed only nine runs. India suffered a 10-wicket defeat inside three days, intensifying scrutiny on Rohit’s contributions.
Critics have pointed to the 37-year-old’s continued struggles with the bat, suggesting it could be affecting his captaincy. Former teammates have also raised concerns about India’s tactics under his leadership in Adelaide.
The debate over Rohit’s role in the batting line-up — or whether he should be included at all — is likely to persist if he fails to deliver at the Gabba.
Rohit’s form, however, is not the only issue for India. Jasprit Bumrah, who impressed with four wickets in Adelaide, caused alarm when he clutched his inner thigh during his 20th over. Bowling coach Morne Morkel said Bumrah had suffered only cramp and was otherwise fine, but the pacer’s limited participation in training has raised questions.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting highlighted Bumrah’s importance, saying, “Bumrah's that big for India, I don't think they can win without him,” speaking to broadcaster Seven Network.
India may consider changes for the Gabba, including bringing back Akash Deep or opting for Ravindra Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin, who managed just one wicket in Adelaide. Harshit Rana’s performance in the second Test may also prompt reconsideration.
Australia face their own selection dilemma. Scott Boland, who performed well in Adelaide, could make way for Josh Hazlewood, who has recovered from injury. Mitchell Marsh, who bowled four overs in Adelaide, said he was ready to contribute more if required by captain Pat Cummins.
The Gabba holds bittersweet memories for both sides. India’s dramatic three-wicket win in 2021 ended Australia’s 33-year unbeaten run at the venue. While the current series will continue beyond Brisbane, the stakes are significant for the World Test Championship.
A loss for India would leave their WTC final hopes uncertain, while a win for Australia would bring them closer to next year’s decider at Lord’s.
(With inputs from Reuters)

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