We need to talk about Kagiso Rabada and his final over meltdown
Kagiso Rabada’s final over no-balls against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup highlighted the pressure on top bowlers, despite his teammates’ support and recognition of his world-class talent. Picture: RODGER BOSCH / AFP
Image: RODGER BOSCH / AFP
Kagiso Rabada is one of the best, if not the best, fast bowler in world cricket, and that’s why his final over comedy of errors for the Proteas against Afghanistan was exceptionally jarring.
Rabada and the Proteas required two Super Overs to beat Afghanistan in their T20 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
But the crux of the matter came before those two Super Overs.
Afghanistan needed 13 runs to win off the final six balls, with one wicket in hand. First ball of the final over, Rabada was the hero as he got Noor Ahmad out as South Africa began celebrating their victory.
Rabada’s No-Balls and Free Hits Impact South Africa vs. Afghanistan Match
Those celebrations were short-lived though, as the siren sounded to indicate Rabada had overstepped to concede a no-ball and a free hit.
A wide, a six and another no-ball followed before Rabada finally managed to pull off a run out as Afghanistan were about to get back home for the winning run.
Though he also ensured in that action that South Africa did not lose, it followed Rabada also making sure the Proteas didn’t win.
It has to be said, that bowling no-balls is a technical issue with the run-up. Even the greatest bowlers in history are not immune to overstepping, just ask Shaun Pollock who was often plagued with the issue during his legendary career.
It’s also true that bowling no-balls in limited overs cricket is magnified as it can turn a match. However, we do seem to employ double standards, for example when it comes to a batsman’s knick-off off to a delivery he probably should not have even played.
Proteas Teammates Support Rabada Amid No-Ball Incident: “He’s a World-Class Performer
Proteas teammate Ryan Rickelton said, “KG, we'll give him a bit of time, but we'll get our arms around him.”
Keshav Maharaj, meanwhile, said: “He's a world-class performer. Unfortunately, a fast bowler has to run 30 metres, so sometimes you do bowl a no-ball.”
Mistakes happen, no-balls will be bowled. But when it comes to those crunch moments in World Cups, there is more expected of someone of the class of Rabada.
I also have no doubt he will take ownership of his mistakes, in his typical bravado manner.
He can deal with it in any way he deems fit, but the most important thing is that he doesn’t do it again when it matters most.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).