WATCH: Kagiso Rabada delivers a 154.5 kmph thunderbolt at Travis Head in SA vs AUS 2nd Test
Kagiso Rabada reminded everyone of his frightening pace with a delivery clocked at 154.5 kmph against Travis Head during the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The breathtaking moment came on Day 4 as South Africa looked to turn their dominant position into a series-levelling victory.
Kagiso Rabada’s 154.5 kmph delivery leaves Travis Head impressed
The delivery came during the third over of Australia’s first innings. Rabada charged in and bowled a full ball in the channel outside off stump, with the speed gun registering an astonishing 154.5 kmph.
Head initially appeared tempted to play at the delivery but ultimately decided to leave it. The ball raced past the left-hander, underlining the challenge of facing a bowler operating at such pace.
The moment stood out because Head hit Rabada for a boundary earlier in the over. The Australian batter drivo a full delivery through the covers, but the South African pacer responded by cranking up the speed and putting him under immediate pressure.
Rabada’s spell demonstrated the intensity of Test cricket, where even a single delivery can shift the momentum of a passage of play. His pace, combined with the movement he generated off the surface, made life uncomfortable for Australia’s batters.
Here’s the video:
154.5 KPH! Rabada bowling absolute missiles out there 🚀#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/4dyN6jCcUh
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 21, 2026
Rabada’s return to the South African side was an important boost for the hosts. Having missed time with a hamstring injury, the fast bowler was back in action for a crucial Test as South Africa attempted to level the series.
He made an immediate impression by dismissing Nic Maddinson for a duck in Australia’s first innings. The wicket gave South Africa momentum, and Rabada continued to test the Australian batters with pace and accuracy.
Also WATCH: Simon Harmer plucks a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne in SA vs AUS 2nd Test
South Africa put Australia under severe pressure
The second Test took a dramatic turn after South Africa recovered from a difficult position in their first innings. The hosts slipped to 92/5 before captain Temba Bavuma led a remarkable fightback with a superb 179.
Marco Jansen contributed 85, while Simon Harmer added 82 as South Africa declared at 425/9. Their lower-order resistance transformed the contest and put Australia under pressure.
Australia struggled in reply, managing just 99 runs in their first innings. Jansen led the destruction with five wickets, while Rabada and Wiaan Mulder claimed two apiece. The collapse forced Australia to follow on, giving South Africa a major opportunity to level the series after losing the opening Test.
The visitors faced another difficult challenge in their second innings, with the South African attack continuing to create problems. At the end of day’s play, Australia were 156 for 4 – still trailing by 170 runs.
Also READ: SA vs AUS – Temba Bavuma reveals Sachin Tendulkar’s influence after splendid hundred in 2nd Test
