SA vs IND 2nd Test: India even the two-match Test series with a seven-wicket victory over South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, overcoming a first-innings batting collapse. With this victory, Rohit Sharma became only the second Indian captain, following MS Dhoni, to avoid a Test series defeat in South Africa. Prior to this series, India had lost seven Test series and drew one in South Africa since 1992. This was also India’s first-ever Test victory in Cape Town.
Record-Breaking Test Duration
The match was completed in five sessions, making it the shortest Test with a result in terms of overs bowled. The previous shortest Test was contested between Australia and South Africa in 1932, when the Aussies won in Melbourne after 109.2 overs. South Africa’s first innings lasted 23.2 overs, India’s first innings lasted 34.5 overs, South Africa batted for 37 overs in their second innings, and India chased down the target in 12 overs, for a total of 107.1 overs bowled at Cape Town.
Extraordinary Wicket Fall on Day 1
Day 1 saw a remarkable total of 23 wickets fall, making it a one-of-a-kind occurrence. With a six-wicket haul, Mohammed Siraj annihilated South Africa, reducing them to their lowest post-apartheid score of 55 after being bowled out in the first session. While Siraj picked up six wickets and allowed only 15 runs in nine overs, Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah both contributed two wickets.
Solid Start by India’s Opening Pair
After that, India got off to a good start, with skipper Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) forming a vital combination. Following their dismissals, Virat Kohli led the team to 150 runs, hitting 46. The collapse began in the 34th over, when Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, removing KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj was then run out in the next over, before Kagiso Rabada arrived and bowled Kohli and Prasidh Krishna back to the pavilion for 153 runs.
Applause from Both Teams
India, which was cruising at 153 for 4, lost their last six wickets in 11 balls without scoring a single run. Dean Elgar was the first South African batter to be struck out in the second innings. Elgar retired after scoring 12 runs off 28 deliveries in his final international match. Both the Proteas and the Indian players applauded him as he walked back after being dismissed on Day 1 of the match.
Mukesh Strikes Again
Mukesh, who had previously dismissed Elgar, struck again to dismiss Tony de Zorzi, reducing the hosts to 41 for 2. Bumrah completed a wild day of play by dismissing youngster Tristan Stubbs, as South Adrica finished Day 1 with a score of 62 for 3. With South Africa on 62 for 3 on Day 2, India pacer Jasprit Bumrah seized over and produced a brilliant performance. Early in the day, Bumrah dismissed David Bedingham after the young batter was undone by late seam movement, edging the ball to wicket-keeper KL Rahul.
Verreynne’s Departure
Kyle Verreynne, the wicket-keeper, was the next to go, pulling a Bumrah delivery straight at Mohammed Siraj at mid-on. Bumrah then caught and bowled all-rounder Marco Jansen before dismissing Keshav Maharaj to complete his tenth Test five-wicket haul. He also tied the great Javagal Srinath for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in Tests in South Africa with this spell.
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