While South African batters were struggling to reply to Pakistan's first innings total of 333, the lower-order batters rescued the visitors and set up a strong fightback, as the Proteas have taken a solid first innings lead in the Rawalpindi Test. South African no.11 batter Kagiso Rabada stunned with his powerful batting that set a new national record for his nation.

South Africa started the third day of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test match at 185/4, but due to losing wickets at regular intervals, they were struggling at 235 for 8. Then Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj had a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket, but the Proteas' tail-enders were still 27 runs short of Pakistan's first innings score when Maharaj was dismissed for 30 runs.

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Kagiso Rabada Creates History with Explosive 38-Ball Fifty – Second Fastest Test Fifty by a No.11 Batter!

Then Senuran Muthusamy got strong support from the no.11 batter Kagiso Rabada, whose fiery batting put South Africa in a strong position in the Test match. They had the 98-run partnership for the last wicket, while Rabada slammed a 38-ball fifty, which was his first Test fifty, and continued his impressive batting to score 71 off 61 balls with four fours and four sixes.

While Rabada slammed a 38-ball fifty with three sixes and three fours, it was the second-fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter. West Indies cricketer Shane Shillingford holds this record with a 25-ball fifty against New Zealand in 2014. South African cricketer Pat Symcox held the previous national record for South Africa by scoring a 40-ball fifty against Australia in 1998.

• 25 balls - Shane Shillingford (West Indies) vs New Zealand, 2014
• 38 balls – Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) vs Pakistan, 2025
• 40 balls - Pat Symcox (South Africa) vs Australia, 1998

Kagiso Rabada recorded the highest score by no.11 South African batter

With his 71-run knock, Kagiso Rabada also recorded the highest Test innings score by a no.11 batter for South Africa. Their previous national record was 62 not out by Bert Vogler against England in 1906. Meanwhile, Rabada now recorded the fifth-highest score in a Test innings by a no.11 batter.

On the other hand, Muthusamy and Rabada set the 98-run partnership for the last wicket, which was South Africa's fourth-highest 10th-wicket partnership in a Test innings. Muthusamy remained not out at 89 runs off 155 balls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Kagiso Rabada's final score in the record-breaking innings? 

Kagiso Rabada scored 71 off 61 balls at the number 11 position, which included four fours and four sixes.

What South African national record did Kagiso Rabada break with his 71-run knock?

Rabada broke the South African national record for the highest Test innings score by a no.11 batter. The previous record was 62 not out set by Bert Vogler against England in 1906.

How fast was Kagiso Rabada's maiden Test fifty?

Rabada's first Test fifty was a 38-ball fifty. This is the second-fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter ever.

Who holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter?

The record for the fastest Test fifty by a no.11 batter is held by West Indies cricketer Shane Shillingford, who scored a 25-ball fifty against New Zealand in 2014.

What was the nature of the partnership between Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada?

Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71) shared a 98-run partnership for the last wicket, which is the fourth-highest 10th-wicket partnership in a Test innings for South Africa.