Kagiso Rabada stunned the cricketing world with a blazing 71 from just 61 balls while batting at number 11 during South Africa’s second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. His fearless knock not only erased the deficit but also handed the visitors a valuable 71-run lead in the first innings.
When Rabada walked in, South Africa were still behind by 30 runs. Instead of defending, he launched a sharp counter-attack against Pakistan’s spinners, hammering four boundaries and four towering sixes. Alongside Senuran Muthusamy, he built a brilliant 98-run partnership for the last wicket, propelling South Africa to a total of 404.
Among the Greatest No.11 Knocks in Test History
His 71 now stands as the fifth-highest score ever made by a number 11 batter in Test cricket. He sits behind Ashton Agar (98), Tino Best (95), James Anderson (81), and Zaheer Khan (75).
Highest scores by a number 11 batter in Tests:
Ashton Agar – 98 vs ENG
Tino Best – 95 vs ENG
James Anderson – 81 vs IND
Zaheer Khan – 75 vs BAN
Kagiso Rabada – 71 vs PAK
With this innings, Rabada also rewrote South Africa’s record books. He overtook Bert Vogler’s unbeaten 62, set back in 1906, marking the highest score by a South African No.11 in 119 years.
A Rapid Fire Half-Century
Rabada’s half-century came in just 38 deliveries, making it the second-fastest fifty by a number 11 batter in Test cricket. The quickest remains Shane Shillingford’s 25-ball blitz against New Zealand in 2014.
This innings is also his personal best in Tests and continues his knack for crucial lower-order runs against Pakistan. His 31*(26) in December 2024 with Marco Jansen had helped South Africa secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Rabada’s All-Round Impact Shifts the Match
Rabada’s contribution didn’t end with the bat. Soon after, he combined with off-spinner Simon Harper to remove three Pakistani batters in quick succession. Pakistan were reduced to 16/3 early in their second innings, putting South Africa in complete control of the match and giving them a golden chance to level the series.
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