Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has rated South Africa’s 30-run victory over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens as one of the reigning ICC World Test Champions’ top three wins in the format. The result, achieved inside three days, also marked South Africa’s first Test win in India since 2010 and handed them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
“Definitely right up there. With the types of wins that we’ve had this season, it’s hard to say because we’ve had some pretty epic wins. But this one is definitely in the top three,” Rabada said on social media.
Sidelined from the opening Test at Eden Gardens due to a rib injury, Rabada described watching the match from the dugout as an intense experience. “That was typical Test cricket. I mean, like, just the ebbs and flows of the game. We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot.”
“So, I mean, it’s quite nerve-wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out. But, I mean, I don’t know what to say. It’s just like an emotional roller coaster and I’m glad that we finished on the right side,” he added.
Rabada praised the team’s collective effort, emphasising South Africa’s belief in contributions from every player. “We had a good start in the first innings with Aiden and Rickelton. They set the tone. Marco stood up, Boshie stood up at crucial times. Everyone chipped in and really, that’s the hallmark of what this team is made of.
“No matter who sits out, we can still find a way to win. Temba has been crucial for us, but he hasn’t played every game. I didn’t play this game. That doesn’t matter. Whoever is going to get out on the field, we believe that they can do the job.”
With 12 valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points secured in Kolkata, the defending champions will now face India in the second Test, starting Saturday at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati.