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Key Points

Kagiso Rabada delivered a match-winning performance with 9 wickets in South Africa's thrilling WTC final victory over Australia. Despite his heroics, the pace spearhead remains humble, focusing on team contribution over personal glory. Coach Conrad praised Rabada's clutch bowling when South Africa needed it most. The win marked South Africa's first ICC title since 1982, with Aiden Markram's century completing the dramatic chase.

Key Points: Kagiso Rabada Humble After WTC Final Heroics Against Australia

  • Rabada took 9/110 in South Africa's WTC final win
  • Coach Conrad hails Rabada as "superstar" for clutch performance
  • Rabada ranks 4th in SA's all-time Test wicket-takers
  • Aiden Markram's 136 sealed historic 5-wicket victory
2 min read

I don't see myself as a star: SA speedster Kagiso Rabada after WTC final heroics

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada downplays stardom despite match-winning 9-wicket haul in historic WTC final victory over Australia.

"I don't see myself as a star. I see myself as someone who's willing to give my blood for this team. - Kagiso Rabada"

London, June 17

South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada doesn't see himself as a star, even though the statistics suggest otherwise, following their historic victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's last week.

The WTC final lasted 10 sessions, and the Proteas seized the advantage early after forcing Australia to succumb to 212. Despite the advantage, South Africa fumbled on the opportunity and folded their first innings on 138.

Even after a setback, South Africa didn't let their heads down. They chained Australia in the second innings and had them reeling at 73/7 at one point. However, a late surge from Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc ballooned Australia's lead to 282. But on a flattening pitch, Aiden Markram's stellar 136 steered them to a five-wicket win, helping South Africa to lift their first ICC title since 1982.

"Where did we turn it around? Obviously, that bowling performance, because we could easily have fallen asleep in the field, and then they would have gotten away from us in a big way. As for KG (Rabada) - that's why he's the superstar. He knew we had one chance at it," SA head coach Conrad said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Rabada spearheaded South Africa's pace attack and dazzled with match figures of 9/110. The 30-year-old is fourth on South Africa's all-time wicket-takers list and possesses the best strike rate in the game for anyone with more than 200 wickets in the format. Despite all his exploits, Rabada refused to see himself in that light.

"I don't see myself as a star. I see myself as someone who's willing to give my blood for this team and continue working hard and improving. That's me as a cricketer, always wanting to improve and playing for the badge with a lot of pride," he told reporters at Lord's as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"I've been working extremely hard, and those second-inning spells are the ones that count more when you're a bit tired. You could be behind the game, or you could be ahead of the game. This time, we're behind the game. But I think it was just about staying calm and looking at what's in front of us. That's the way I see myself," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Kagiso Rabada article:
R
Rahul K.
What a humble champion! Rabada's attitude reminds me of our own Bumrah - lethal on field but grounded off it. His second innings spells were 🔥. Hope our Indian bowlers were watching - this is how you close out a Test match!
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Priya M.
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm jealous of SA's pace attack. Rabada, Nortje, Jansen - what a trio! Our team needs to develop such consistent fast bowlers. Rabada's humility despite being world class is admirable. Talent + temperament = true champion.
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Arjun S.
Rabada is the complete package - speed, swing, stamina and now this sportsman spirit. But let's not forget Markram's knock was equally crucial. SA finally showing they can win ICC tournaments! Maybe next time we'll see IND vs SA final? 🤞
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Sunita R.
"Playing for the badge with pride" - this line gave me goosebumps! This is what our Indian players sometimes lack in crunch situations. Rabada's work ethic should be case study for young Indian pacers. Hope BCCI is taking notes!
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate Rabada's humility, I wish Indian media would hype our own bowlers like they do foreign stars. Bumrah has better stats than Rabada in last 2 years but never gets this kind of global recognition. Our players deserve more credit!
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Neha P.
That second innings spell where he took 3 quick wickets was pure class! 🏏 But can we talk about how SA almost bottled this match? Shows even the best teams struggle under pressure. Makes me feel slightly better about our team's ICC record 😅

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