Test cricket has traditionally been associated with South Africa, and South Africa has produced some of the world's greatest bowlers. Over the years, South Africa has built up a reputation for producing fast, aggressive pacers, as well as artists or craftsmen in spin who have won their country's matches. The legacy created is a result of South Africa's history as a country and as a cricketing nation, where bowling initiation and development has been the country's focus as an ex-colonized nation with a jailbird past that taught them the importance of bowling excellence for victory.

As we delve into the list of South Africa’s top five wicket-takers in Test history, each name stands out not only for their impressive statistics but also for the impact they had on the game. These bowlers have been instrumental in scripting many of South Africa's memorable Test victories, both at home and abroad. Known for their consistency, aggression, and ability to thrive under pressure, they have often turned the tide in crucial moments. Their contributions have solidified South Africa’s status as a formidable force in international Test cricket.

5. Allan Donald – 330 wickets

Former Proteas right-arm fast bowler Allan Donald ended his Test career with 330 wickets in 72 matches with an average of 22.25. He recorded 20 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 8/71 and best bowling figures in a match of 12/139.

4. Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets

The right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is one of the modern-day greats among fast bowlers. Till the end of the first innings of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s, he has already recorded 332 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 21.82. The fourth most Test wicket-taker for South Africa, Rabada, has recorded 17 fifers and four ten-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures in an innings were 7/112, and his best bowling figures in a match were 13/144. He is one of the three South African bowlers to record 13 wickets in a Test match.

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3. Makhaya Ntini – 390 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Makhaya Ntini is the third leading wicket-taker in South African Test cricket history with 390 wickets in 101 matches with an average of 28.82. He recorded 18 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including the best bowling figures record by a South African in a Test match – 13/132 vs West Indies in the 2005 Port of Spain Test. Meanwhile, Ntini’s best bowling figures record in a Test innings was 7/37.

2. Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets

Former South African fast bowling all-rounder and captain Shaun Pollock was the first South African to record 400 Test wickets. He retired from Test cricket after picking up 421 wickets in 108 Tests with an average of 23.11. The right-arm fast bowler recorded 16 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul (best bowling figures in an innings: 7/87; best bowling figures in a match: 10/147).

1. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Dale Steyn was one of the most popular fast bowlers in world cricket. Steyn holds the record for the most Test wickets by a South African with 439 wickets in 93 Test matches with an average of 22.95. Steyn recorded 26 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 7/51 and best bowling figures in a match of 11/60.