South Africa has long been renowned for some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in Test cricket history. ln this lineage of greats, Kagiso Rabada has now made his mark by surpassing Allan Donald in terms of most test wickets for South Africa during the intense WTC 2025 Final.

Get ready to uncover the legendary names and legacies of world-class pacers of Proteas.

5. Allan Donald (330 wickets)

Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa | sportzpoint.com — Allan Donald in tests for South Africa. Image | India.com

Allan Donald was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era, known for his blinding speed and approach. He holds the 5th place with 330 wickets at an average of 22.25 for South Africa.

Donald earned the nickname "The White Lightning" because of his rapid speed and intense stare downs. His fiery spells often hit batsmen on the helmet and shook their confidence.

Donald stats in tests for SA:

Span	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Maidens	Avg	Econ	BBI
1992-2002	72	129	330	661	22.25	2.83	8/71

Read Also: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

4. Kagiso Rabada (334 wickets)

Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa | sportzpoint.com — Kagiso Rabada in tests for South Africa. Image | NewsBytes

South Africa's modern-day pacer, Kagiso Rabada, recently surpassed Donald with his five-wicket haul in the Day 1 of WTC 2025 final against Australia. He leaped to the fourth place with a total of 334 wickets in tests so far, and there's more to come.

Rabada is a key bowler who carries the bowling unit with his abilities of restricting strong batting lineups and imposing threat to the opponent. He holds the potential to climb more up in the coming years.

Rabada stats in tests for SA:

Span	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Maidens	Avg	Econ	BBI
2015-2025	71	130	334	432	21.74	3.34	7/112

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

3. Makhaya Ntini (390 wickets)

Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa | sportzpoint.com — Makhaya Ntini in tests for South Africa. Image | News18

Makhaya Ntini was a genuine speedster who bowled with attacking energy and an unique action. His on-field enthusiasm at all times was something that made him a crowd favourite.

Makhaya took 390 wickets in tests for South Africa, holding his place tight in the 3rd place for over a decade. He also made history by becoming the first black South African to take 10 wickets in a test match at Lord's in 2003.

Ntini stats in tests for SA:

Span	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Maidens	Avg	Econ	BBI
1998-2009	101	190	390	759	28.82	3.23	7/37

2. Shaun Pollock (421 wickets)

Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa | sportzpoint.com — Shaun Pollock in tests for South Africa. Image | Instagram

Shaun Pollock was an excellent all-rounder who had an amazing bowling record in tests for the Proteas. While not as quick as Donald or Steyn, his consistent length and accuracy always did the job brilliantly.

Pollock served as a wicket-taking source and helped to keep the pressure on. He took 421 wickets with an economy less than 3 and has the second-most test wickets for South Africa.

He also has the most maidens among every bowler in the list.

Pollock stats in tests for SA:

Span	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Maidens	Avg	Econ	BBI
1995-2008	108	202	421	1222	23.11	2.39	7/87

1. Dale Steyn (439 wickets)

Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa | sportzpoint.com — Dale Steyn in tests for South Africa. Image | Instagram

One of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time, Dale Steyn, has the most test wickets for South Africa. He was known to be a fearsome outswinger, who could swing the ball late at high speed.

He was famously known as "Steyn Gun" for his destructive bowling that made him nearly unplayable at times. He took 439 wickets in just 93 matches, which is believed to remain unmatched for many years to come.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Steyn stats in tests for SA:

Span	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Maidens	Avg	Econ	BBI
2004-2019	93	171	439	660	22.95	3.24	7/51

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