[Watch]: Rabada’s Aggression on Display After Dismissing Ibrahim Zadran in Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been nothing short of thrilling, and the third game between the South Africa and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team at the National Stadium in Karachi was a true spectacle. One name that stood out was Kagiso Rabada, whose fiery pace and precision left Afghanistan reeling.

South Africa Sets a Mammoth Total

The South Africa Cricket Team showcased their batting dominance by posting a formidable total of 315 runs. Their aggressive yet calculated approach laid the groundwork for the bowlers to capitalize on.

Kagiso Rabada: The Game Changer

Rabada didn’t take long to make his presence felt. With his aggressive line and length, he immediately put the Afghan batters under pressure. One of the highlights of the match was Rabada’s duel with Afghanistan’s opener, Ibrahim Zadran. Zadran looked composed initially, playing some crisp shots, but Rabada’s relentless pace proved too much.

The Dismissal That Turned the Game

Rabada bowled a perfect back-of-a-length delivery that angled into the stumps. Zadran, trying to push it to the off-side, missed completely, watching his middle stump cartwheel. The fiery send-off from Rabada emphasized the intensity of the contest. With Zadran gone for 17 runs off 29 balls, Afghanistan found themselves in deep trouble. This wicket became the catalyst, leading to a collapse as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙞𝙢 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧! 🥶

Rabada at his best! 💥 Ibrahim heads back to the dressing room 🤩#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉🏻 Afghanistan 🆚 South Africa | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Sports 18-1

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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 21, 2025

Rabada Strikes Again: Omarzai’s Fall

Rabada wasn’t done. In the 23rd over, he delivered another gem, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai. A back-of-length ball angled towards the body forced a faint edge through to the keeper. Omarzai departed for 18 runs, leaving Afghanistan at 89/5. While Rabada was the star, Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder played their parts, each claiming a wicket. Their combined efforts ensured constant pressure on Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Struggle to Recover

In the middle of the collapse, Rahmat Shah and veteran Mohammad Nabi tried to anchor the innings. They focused on stabilizing the situation, hoping to take the game deep.

Rabada’s ability to break partnerships and maintain pressure was pivotal. His aggression, combined with disciplined bowling, showcased why he remains one of the world’s leading pacers. With a strong win on the horizon, South Africa will look to carry this momentum forward in the tournament.