Rabada returned remarkable figures of 6/25 to propel the Junior Proteas into the final against Pakistan at the Dubai Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on 1 March.
The 80-run win continued the South Africans undefeated record in the tournament.
South Africa posted a competitive 230/9 after electing to bat first. Captain Aiden Markram and Clyde Fortuin set the platform with a 105-run opening stand before Markram was dismissed for 45 in the 21st over.
Fortuin took the lead in his 45-run, second-wicket partnership with Kirwin Christoffels (20) before losing his wicket for a well-played 74. The Australian spin attack did well to restrict South Africa to 196/5 after being 150/2.
Yaseen Valli played a vital role in reviving the innings, adding 31 runs off 36 balls to post a competitive score.
In reply, the Australian batsmen could not contend with Rabada’s pace. He dispatched the top three batsmen for 12 runs, leaving the Aussies floundering on 33/3 after nine overs. Fellow pace bowler Corbin Bosch took the vital wickets of Jake Doran (36) and captain Alex Gregory (31). Valli contributed with the ball as well, picking up a wicket with Rabada cleaning up the tail.
An ecstatic captain, Markram said, “KG [Rabada] was outstanding today, he’s a really special bowler and he’s got a really bright future ahead of himself if he continues this way. We are so happy to have made the country proud, beating Australia was definitely something we were gunning for and we are chuffed we were able to do it.”
