"He gave his everything for South Africa" - Fans react as Kagiso Rabada bags 9 wickets across 2 innings in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada shone with the ball in the team's ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia at Lord's, London. The right-arm seamer bagged four wickets in Australia's second innings to complete a stunning nine-wicket haul in the high-pressure encounter.

Rabada picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings after the Proteas elected to field first. His bowling exploits helped South Africa bundle out Australia for 212. The onus was on him to replicate his heroics in the subsequent essay too after his side folded for just 138.

The 30-year-old delivered a clutch bowling performance yet again, registering figures of 18-1-59-4. He dismissed Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey and Nathan Lyon.

Kagiso Rabda earned widespread praise on social media for his performance. Here are some of the top reactions on X:

"9 WICKETS FOR KAGISO RABADA IN THE WTC FINAL..!!! 15-51-5 in the first innings 18-59-4 in the second innings He gave his everything for South Africa," one fan wrote.

"Rabada rose to the occasion ice in his veins, fire in his spell," wrote a fan.

"Rabada real champion in Test Cricket Always proves his mettle in SENA countries Need him to perform in subcontinent as well Hopefully this winter," commented another.

"Rabada, I’ve ran out of words to describe your GREATNESS," remarked a fan.

"People shall also talk about rabada in whites when they talk about perfection , art and deadly crazy wobbles," chimed in yet another.

Australia were bowled out for 207 on Day 3, setting a stiff 282-run target. Mitchell Starc notched up a crucial half-century, remaining unbeaten on 58 off 136 balls. The lower-order batter's contribution put Pat Cummins and Co. in the driver's seat.

While Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets in the innings, Lungi Ngidi finished with three scalps.

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"Would've loved a ten-for, but would rather not have it and win" - Kagiso Rabada on missing out on a 10-wicket haul in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

Kagiso Rabada narrowly missed out on a well-deserved 10-wicket haul in the WTC 2025 final. Speaking in a post-innings interview, he stated that a win in the all-important clash meant more to him than the personal milestone.

He emphasized that the South African batters should approach the target with a positive mindset. Kagiso Rabada was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo:

"The ball got a lot softer. 50 to 60 over old ball. The sun is out, yesterday there was cloud cover. Hopefully, the sun will stay during the chase. We need partnerships and be positive, looking to go out there and chase the score. No two ways about it. Will be great if we could win. Lord's is a special place, have enjoyed bowling here. Would've loved a ten-for, but would rather not have it and win."

South Africa need to score 282 runs in the final inning to trump defending champions Australia in the summit clash.