
SA20: In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, sometimes a bowler’s performance goes unnoticed due to explosive batting displays. However, Kagiso Rabada’s recent performance in the SA20 league against Paarl Royals has not only turned heads but also made cricketing history. His performance in the powerplay overs has cemented his position as one of the best fast bowlers in the game today. This performance also explains why Gujarat Titans have spent ₹10.75 crore on him for IPL 2025, which will be a masterstroke.
Rabada’s Heroic Performance in SA20

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Kagiso Rabada was in action for the match between Mumbai Indians Cape Town and Paarl Royals in SA20. In a super-important match for his team, Rabada almost single-handedly stopped Paarl Royals from crossing the 173-run target given by his teammates. Mumbai Indians Cape Town put up a competitive 172/7 in 20 overs, and when Paarl Royals stepped out to bat, the first thing they were faced with was a raging Rabada who started to make an early statement.
Rabada bowled a brilliant spell, taking 2 wickets for just 22 runs in 4 overs, which ensured his team won by a huge margin of 33 runs. However, it was his performance in the powerplay that really grabbed everyone’s attention.
The Historic Feat: Two Consecutive Maiden Overs

This is a crucial overs for both teams in T20 cricket, especially when batting as well as bowling. During the initial six overs, fielding restrictions make it a bit easy for batsmen to score freely, but Rabada’s excellent bowling disrupted Paarl Royals’ plans from the very beginning.
An unprecedented feat, Rabada bowled two consecutive maiden overs in the powerplay for the first time in SA20. The two maiden overs that he bowled, one in the fourth over and the other in the sixth over of Paarl Royals’ innings, really turned the match against the chasing team. It was not just the two key wickets that he took, but the way Rabada restricted the batsmen really mattered to his team.
A Powerplay That Was Game-Changer: Paarl Royals Fails
Rabada’s outstanding bowling in the powerplay really dented Paarl Royals as they never came back at all from this blow. The team could only manage to score 139 runs losing 9 wickets. Rabada’s powerplay performance did really well in spoiling the show for Paarl Royals since the initial overs made not possible for them to get into a groove for Paarl Royals.
Rabada’s splendid bowling performance awarded him the Man of the Match award, marking his position amongst the best T20 bowlers. His effort was priceless since his team was able to successfully defend a score of 172 and win the game by a convincing margin of 33 runs.
IPL 2025: Glimpse of Rabada’s Future with Gujarat Titans
Rabada’s display in the SA20 is a clear indication of the immense value he brings to any team. Gujarat Titans, who secured Rabada’s services for ₹10.75 crore in the upcoming IPL 2025, are likely to reap the rewards of this investment. The South African pacer’s ability to perform in pressure situations, particularly in the early overs, makes him a highly sought-after asset in T20 leagues around the world.
Rabada has been impressive during the powerplay in SA20, and he has proved effective during those crucial first six overs where he could and did put the brakes on opposition batting as he did against Paarl Royals. His ability to take wickets and keep tight control over the scoring rate will be invaluable for Gujarat Titans while trying again for another successful IPL campaign.
If Rabada can repeat it in IPL 2025, he will become a much-needed support to Gujarat Titans’ well-balanced and talented top order, led by the brilliant batsman Shubman Gill. With Rabada’s all-rounded skills, this could be all that Gujarat Titans need to dominate matches.
Growing Legacy of Rabada

Kagiso Rabada’s spell in the SA20 match against Paarl Royals has set the new benchmark of excellence in bowling in T20. The fact that he bowled two consecutive maiden overs in powerplay is a testament to his skill, discipline, and performance under pressure. As the season of IPL 2025 approaches, Rabada’s remarkable feat brings to mind how much value such top-quality bowlers bring to the game.
As a fast bowler with such extraordinary ability, Rabada’s legacy will only grow bigger with Gujarat Titans investing heavily in his services. More match-winning performances are expected from this phenomenal fast bowler in the seasons ahead.