SA20: Rabada Makes History With Two Maiden Overs
Kagiso Rabada’s historic performance in SA20, a sneak peek into his IPL 2025 impact.

SA20: In the fast-paced and high-scoring world of T20 cricket, bowlers often find it challenging to garner the limelight, especially when explosive batting displays tend to dominate the narrative. However, Kagiso Rabada’s recent heroics in the SA20 league against Paarl Royals have not only captured the attention of cricket fans but also made history. This proved his one of the best talents among the current fast bowlers across the globe in world cricket today. In a way, this also reflects on why the Gujarat Titans are so keen on spending ₹10.75 crores on him for IPL 2025-a real strategic play in the pipeline.
Rabada’s Heroic Performance: A Game-Changer for Mumbai Indians Cape Town

Kagiso Rabada, playing for Mumbai Indians Cape Town versus Paarl Royals in the SA20, was in top-notch form. When the pressure was mounting and his team was seemingly about to lose, he single-handedly tipped the scales in Mumbai Indians Cape Town’s favor with some breathtaking bowling, almost scuttling the chances of Paarl Royals to win from a daunting total of 173. Mumbai Indians Cape Town had managed 172/7 in 20 overs.
Now, when Paarl Royals launched their chase, they were immediately greeted by the lethal pace of Rabada. He delivered a brilliant spell, taking two crucial wickets for just 22 runs in four overs. His contribution was ensuring that Mumbai Indians Cape Town defended its total successfully and obtained a comfortable 33-run victory. Nevertheless, it was his performance during the powerplay that truly stood out and captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts.
The Historic Achievement: Two Powerplay Maiden Overs in a Row

In T20 cricket, the first six overs, known as the powerplay, are often a make-or-break period for both teams. Fielding restrictions during these overs give batsmen the opportunity to score freely, which makes it particularly challenging for bowlers. However, Kagiso Rabada turned the tables on Paarl Royals by executing an extraordinary bowling display.
Rabada made history by bowling two consecutive maiden overs in the powerplay—something never witnessed before in the SA20 league. These overs, delivered in the fourth and sixth overs of Paarl Royals’ innings, were pivotal in halting the opposition’s momentum. Rabada not only kept the batsmen quiet but also claimed two key wickets, further tightening his grip on the game.
A Game-Changing Powerplay: Paarl Royals Struggles to Recover in sa20
It was Rabada’s brilliance in bowling that changed the course of the match. He gave away just one run in two consecutive maiden overs within the first six overs, and this put the Paarl Royals in a lot of trouble as they were not able to settle down. This was too much for the chasing team, as they could score only 139 runs losing nine wickets in the process.
Rabada’s brilliant spell set the tone for the game, making sure that Paarl Royals never got a chance to come back. He won the “Player of the Match” award, proving himself to be one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Due to his excellent contribution, Mumbai Indians Cape Town successfully defended their total and won the game by a comprehensive margin of 33 runs.
IPL 2025: The Future Looks Bright for Rabada and Gujarat Titans
Rabada’s performance in the SA20 is a clear indication of the value he brings to any team. For Gujarat Titans, who managed to secure his services for a whopping ₹10.75 crore for IPL 2025, this performance gives a glimpse into the kind of impact he could have on the team. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially during the powerplay, makes him an asset that can turn the tide of a game.
Rabada has proved time and again that he is a master at dominating the powerplay, and his spell against Paarl Royals was one of those times when he did it with style. The manner in which he bowled tight and controlled and struck at crucial moments will be invaluable to Gujarat Titans as they look to launch another successful campaign in IPL 2025.
If Rabada can do that in the IPL, then it would be the greatest support for the strong batting line-up of Gujarat Titans which comprises the promising talent Shubman Gill. And with all-around skills, the presence of Rabada will enhance the team immensely, making Gujarat Titans an even stronger force in T20.
Rabada’s Soaring Legacy: A Rising Star
Kagiso Rabada’s SA20 performance against Paarl Royals has set the new benchmark for excellence in T20 bowling. That he was able to bowl two consecutive maiden overs in the powerplay speaks much about his skill, discipline, and composure under pressure. As the season of IPL 2025 draws near, it is a great reminder of how valuable top bowlers are to T20 cricket.
As a fast bowler with a penchant for being able to deliver in pressure situations, Rabada’s legacy is likely only going to flourish. Gujarat Titans have invested heavily in him and, no doubt, are banking on his skill sets to spearhead and produce match-winning performances on the field. With Rabada on their side, the Titans will have one of the world’s best bowlers, and fans can expect many more stand-out performances from him in the upcoming IPL season and beyond.
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