Why Kagiso Rabada Is Not Playing Today In PAK vs SA World Cup Match?

Kagiso Rabada during the World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

A shocking turn of events happened when South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma announced at the toss that Kagiso Rabada wouldn't play against Pakistan in their crucial World Cup match on Friday. 

While Bavuma didn't highlight the reason behind Rabada's absence, Cricket South Africa (CSA) later confirmed that the ace pacer was ruled out of the game due to a lower back spasm.

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Why Kagiso Rabada is not playing?

Rabada did not leave the field wicketless, not even once in the World Cup 2023, until he suffered a minor injury. He claimed figures of 2/50, 3/33, 2/56, 1/38, and 2/42, and played pivotal roles in South Africa’s all-round success in the competition.

Having won four out of five matches, South Africa are placed second on the points table, only behind India. Their NRR of +2.370 is undisputed, with New Zealand’s +1.481 being the second.

The Proteas are currently at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, facing off against the Men in Green, led by Babar Azam.

The Proteas are currently at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, facing off against the Men in Green, led by Babar Azam. In Rabada’s place, Lungi Ngidi has returned to the playing XI.

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