South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada is confident that his team can still win the Boxing Day first Test against India despite being reduced to 94/4 on Wednesday (December 29) chasing 305 to win in Centurion.
Rabada snared three wickets in the first innings and then returned with impressive figures of 4/42 in 17 overs to help South Africa bowl out India for 174 in 50.3 overs in their second innings, setting a target of 305 runs for the hosts to win the first Test in Centurion.
Well, South Africa didn’t have a great start, losing four wickets for just 94 runs and now they still need 211 runs with six wickets in hand on the fifth and final day on Thursday, December 30.
Rabada said of South Africa’s chances in the first Test: “Definitely, we have just got to show belief. Strategize overnight and see how to approach this. Every sportsman has got to believe.”
The right-arm fast bowler further lauded his captain Dean Elgar, who is unbeaten on 52 at stumps.
He added, “Dean is doing his best for his team, his country, and himself. He is leading from the front. He has done it countless times.”
On the possibility of rain on the final day, Rabada said: “Yeah, there have been chats on when it is going to rain or when it is not going to...It is a bit of an uncontrollable.”
Hailing Indian pacers, Rabada said: “They got some quality bowlers. Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are very experienced and Mohammed Siraj has been bowling well in the recent past. They have a good attack, they got pace and they have got skills. They are showing why they are a good attack.”
He also lauded South Africa debutant Marco Jansen, who took four wickets in the second innings. Praising his teammate the star bowler said: “He is a phenomenal talent. He is an awkward customer to face. There is swing, bounce, and pace coming at you.”
The bowler added, “In the (Indian) second innings, he justified his selection...he seems like he wants to learn. He is a hard worker. He is really keen on doing well for his team and himself.”
Rabada bowled 17 no-balls in the ongoing first Test against India and he admitted that he needs to work on it before the second Test, starting on January 3 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
He signed off by saying, “Look, it is not acceptable. It is something I have to work on. The no-balls are controllable and I need to work on it before the next test.”
(With PTI Inputs)
