Kagiso Rabada Smashes Record 71 as South Africa Fight Back in Rawalpindi Test

On Day 3 of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Kagiso Rabada produced a stunning batting performance that not only shifted the momentum of the match, but rewrote the record books. While Rabada is widely recognised as a spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack, his knock of 71 runs batting at No. 11 under pressure proved crucial to the Proteas’ resurgence.

Match Situation & Rabada’s Entry

South Africa resumed on Day 3 at 185 for 4, still trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 333 by 148 runs. However, quick wickets fell and the visitors slipped to 210 for 7, then 235 for 8—staring down the barrel of another batting collapse. At that juncture, Rabada walked in at No. 11, alongside Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj holding the tail.

With the Proteas in a precarious position, Rabada’s role changed from bowler to unexpected batting saviour. He came to the crease when most expected the innings to fold quickly—but he had other plans.

The Batting Masterclass

Rabada’s 71 came off just 61 deliveries, including four boundaries and four towering sixes. He stitched a remarkable 98-run partnership with Muthusamy for the 10th wicket, startling the Pakistan bowlers and asserting a new grip on the match. The total shot past 400, and South Africa posted 404, securing a first-innings lead of 71.

This innings was not just a tail-ender’s cameo but a full-blown counter-attack. Rabada batted with aggression and clarity, dispatching quality bowling with intent. His strike rate soared, and he capitalised on short-balls, spin drift, and loose deliveries alike.

Record Rewrite & Historic Significance

Rabada’s 71 holds several significant marks:

• It is the highest individual score by a South African batting at No. 11 in Test history, surpassing the previous record of 62 set in 1906—thereby ending a 119-year-old record.
• It ranks as the fifth-highest Test score by any No. 11 batter globally, behind only a few extraordinary tail-enders.
• His fifty was reached in just 38 deliveries—making it the second-fastest fifty by a No. 11 in Test cricket.

These feats underline not only the rarity of such an innings from a pure bowler, but also demonstrate Rabada’s all-round development and mental resilience.

Impact on the Match

The timing and context of the innings make it even more significant:

• The 98-run last-wicket stand erased the possibility of Pakistan seizing dominance on Day 3, instead giving South Africa momentum and control.
• Pakistan began their second innings on the back foot; by stumps they were 94 for 4, with only a 23-run lead—thanks in part to Rabada’s intervention and the momentum swing he generated.
• The psychological boost for South Africa cannot be understated: the tailender rescued a failing innings, frustrated the home team, and put the Proteas firmly in the driver’s seat.

Why This Matters

Rabada is primarily known for his speed, lethal bowling and ability to strike from the front. But this innings signals a fascinating development: a bowler contributing significant runs in a crisis. In modern Test cricket, tail contributions matter—a half-century at No. 11 can swing a match, and Rabada’s did exactly that.

For South Africa, this innings underlines depth, belief and character: when the top order faltered, the lower order refused to crack. It also highlights the evolving nature of player roles—where expectations of a No. 11 are minimal, a 71-run explosion becomes even more meaningful.

What to Watch Moving Forward

• South Africa will seek to convert this lead into a victory, leveraging the momentum Rabada’s knock provided.
• Pakistan must regroup: this collapse and counter-attack exposed vulnerabilities in their bowling endurance and tail coverage.
• Rabada’s batting could open interesting possibilities: can he continue contributing with the bat consistently, adding another dimension to his game?
• Lastly, the record highlights that Test cricket still rewards drama, resilience and unexpected heroes—tail-enders included.

Final Thought

Kagiso Rabada’s 71 at No. 11 in the Rawalpindi Test will be remembered as much for timing and context as for raw numbers. It came when his team was in trouble, against quality bowling in away conditions. It broke a century-old record. More importantly, it shifted momentum in a high-stakes international match.

For one bowler, the spotlight shifted from wickets to runs—briefly and brilliantly—and in doing so, he etched his name even deeper into cricketing history.