Reaching 350 wickets in Test cricket is a remarkable achievement that reflects a bowler’s consistency, skill and ability to trouble batters across different conditions. However, accomplishing the milestone in fewer deliveries puts a bowler in an even more exclusive category, highlighting their extraordinary wicket-taking ability.
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has now rewritten the record books by becoming the fastest bowler in Test history to claim 350 wickets in terms of balls bowled. The 31-year-old achieved the landmark on Saturday, during the fifth day’s play in the third and final Test against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town.
Rabada dismissed Travis Head to complete his 350th Test wicket, reaching the milestone in just 13,808 deliveries. He surpassed the previous record held by his legendary compatriot Dale Steyn. Let’s have a look at some of the fastest bowlers to reach 350 Test wickets based on the number of deliveries bowled.
5 fastest bowlers to claim 350 wickets in Test cricket
1. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 13,808 Balls
Rabada has taken the top spot with an outstanding display of fast-bowling efficiency. The South African speedster needed only 13,808 deliveries to register his 350th Test wicket, making him the fastest bowler to achieve the feat.
He reached the landmark in his 75th Test appearance, continuing his reputation as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers of the modern era. His combination of express pace, movement and accuracy has made him a constant threat to opposition batting line-ups. The dismissal of Head on Day 5 of the Cape Town Test provided the perfect setting for another historic moment in his career.
2. Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 14,719 Balls
Before Rabada’s achievement, Steyn held the record for reaching 350 Test wickets in the fewest deliveries. The former South African speedster required 14,719 balls to reach the landmark.
Known for his devastating swing bowling and ability to generate pace, Steyn was among the most feared fast bowlers of his generation. He also reached 350 wickets in just 69 Test matches, making him quicker than Rabada in terms of matches played. His remarkable career remains an inspiration for the next generation of South African fast bowlers.
3. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 14,905 Balls
Pakistan legend Waqar Younis occupies the third position on this prestigious list, having taken 14,905 deliveries to complete 350 Test wickets.
A master of reverse swing and toe-crushing yorkers, Waqar formed one of cricket’s most celebrated fast-bowling partnerships alongside Wasim Akram. His ability to dismantle batting line-ups with late movement and blistering pace made him a nightmare for opposition batters.
Also WATCH: Kagiso Rabada rattles Australia with double strike in the first over on Day 5 of Cape Town Test – SA vs AUS
4. Malcolm Marshall (West Indies) – 16,285 Balls
West Indies great Malcolm Marshall features fourth, having needed 16,285 balls to claim his 350th Test wicket. Widely admired for his versatility, Marshall possessed an exceptional combination of pace, swing, bounce and tactical intelligence. He was a central figure in the dominant West Indies fast-bowling era of the 1980s and remains one of the finest pacers to have played the game.
5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 16,908 Balls
Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc completes the top five with 16,908 deliveries required to reach 350 Test wickets. Renowned for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver devastating yorkers, Starc has established himself as one of the leading fast bowlers of contemporary cricket. His presence alongside Rabada on this list highlights the impact of two modern-day pace sensations.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest bowlers to take 100 Test wickets by balls bowled ft. Marco Jansen
