Rabada destructive again as Proteas claim easy series win

Kagiso Rabada celebrated becoming the joint fourth fastest South African bowler to reach 100 Test wickets by destroying the Bangladesh batting order for the second time in consecutive days.

The strapping Proteas quick snapped up 5/30 in the visitors’ second innings of 172 to lead his side to a massive victory by an innings and 254 runs in the second and final Test in Bloemfontein.

Also read: Leader of the pack Kagiso Rabada says he’s no ‘Rambo’

South Africa duly clinched a 2-0 series win, with their champion quick claiming his third ten-wicket haul in Tests following his spell of 5/33 on Saturday.

As much as Rabada deserved his haul of victims by superbly leading an inexperienced attack, Bangladesh’s resistance has been hugely disappointing.

They once again showed precious little commitment (and perhaps even interest) in throwing away numerous wickets.

The tone was set by opener Soumya Sarkar gently edging Rabada to slip in the second over of the day.

Other examples of Bangladesh’s wastefulness were Mominul Haque hooking the Proteas’ bowling leader to deep square leg in what was a definite trap, while Liton Das – the batting hero in the first innings – left an Andile Phehlukwayo delivery on his off-stump.

Amid the procession of wickets, there was also drama.

Mushfiqur Rahim, the visiting captain, became a victim of a compelling period of short bowling by Rabada and new-ball partner Duanne Olivier (1/39) after he ducked into a short ball that didn’t quite gain much height.

It hit him full-on and had him decidedly groggy.

Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee ran onto the field to give his input and it’s understood Rahim was actually advised to retire hurt.

Yet he carried on and only left for hospital once he had been dismissed minutes before lunch when he padded up to Wayne Parnell (1/31) and was adjudged LBW.

It’s the second time in 2017 Rahim’s had to be carted off for tests after he was hit on the helmet against New Zealand in January.

While Phehluwayo, who finished with 3/36, bowled an encouraging spell where he looked better the more he bowled, there will still be questions over the backup seamers.

Parnell in particular bowled with limited control and thought.