Joe Root and Kagiso Rabada have faced each other in some of cricket’s biggest contests, including England vs South Africa battles across all formats. Root, one of the most technically sound batters in the world, has taken on Rabada, known for his pace, bounce, and wicket-taking ability.
In this article, we break down their head-to-head stats in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and other T20s — looking at runs, dismissals, strike rates, and year-by-year performances to see how this exciting rivalry between bat and ball has unfolded.
Joe Root vs Kagiso Rabada Head-to-Head Stats Summary
Joe Root has faced Kagiso Rabada across Tests, ODIs, T20 Internationals, and domestic T20s, totaling 411 balls, from which he scored 284 runs and was dismissed 7 times. Root has struck 41 fours and 1 six, while facing 277 dot balls against Rabada.
Format | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s/6s | Avg | SR |
Test | 200 | 300 | 4 | 212 | 31/0 | 50.0 | 66.7 |
OdI | 61 | 94 | 1 | 56 | 7/0 | 61.0 | 64.9 |
T20I | 17 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 2/1 | 17.0 | 130.8 |
T20 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1/0 | 6.0 | 150.0 |
Total | 284 | 411 | 7 | 277 | 41 | 134 | 412.4 |
Root vs Rabada: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in Tests
In Tests, Root has scored 200 runs off 300 balls, getting out 4 times. His Test average against Rabada is 50.0, with a strike rate of 66.7, which shows a fairly balanced contest between the bat and the ball.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2016 | 80 | 118 | 2 | 82 | 12 | 0 | 40.0 | 67.8 |
2017 | 82 | 113 | 0 | 78 | 14 | 0 | - | 72.6 |
2019 | 18 | 39 | 0 | 31 | 3 | 0 | - | 46.2 |
2020 | 7 | 15 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 7.0 | 46.7 |
2022 | 13 | 15 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 13.0 | 86.7 |
Total | 200 | 300 | 4 | 212 | 31 | 0 | 50.0 | 66.7 |
Root vs Rabada: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in ODIs
In ODIs, Root has scored 61 runs off 94 balls and has been dismissed only once by Rabada. He averages 61.0 with a strike rate of 64.9, showing steady and cautious play.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2016 | 25 | 51 | 0 | 33 | 2 | 0 | - | 49.0 |
2017 | 15 | 23 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 0 | - | 65.2 |
2019 | 13 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 13.0 | 118.2 |
2025 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | - | 88.9 |
Total | 61 | 94 | 1 | 56 | 7 | 0 | 61.0 | 64.9 |
Root vs Rabada: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in T20Is
In T20Is, Root has faced Rabada in one match — in 2016 — where he scored 17 runs off 13 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed. His strike rate in that match was a strong 130.8.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2016 | 17 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 17.0 | 130.8 |
Total | 17 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 17.0 | 130.8 |
Root vs Rabada: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in T20s
In a 2025 T20 match, Root faced just 4 balls from Rabada, scoring 6 runs and getting out once, with a strike rate of 150.0.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2025 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6.0 | 150.0 |
Total | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6.0 | 150.0 |
Reference: The stats are taken from the Cricmetric
Verdict: Joe Root vs Kagiso Rabada - Who has the edge?
The numbers suggest a fairly balanced contest, but Joe Root holds a slight edge overall. In Tests, he averages 50.0 against Rabada, showing good control despite four dismissals. In ODIs, Root has been solid, scoring 61 runs while being dismissed just once, averaging 61.0.
In T20s, however, Rabada has made an impact, dismissing Root in both T20I and franchise cricket with limited opportunities.
Overall, Root has been consistent and composed in the longer formats, while Rabada has struck back in the shorter ones. But across formats, Root’s higher averages and control give him a slight advantage in this rivalry.
Must Read |
