India South Africa Test Match: In a remarkable second Test match in Cape Town, India secured a historic seven-wicket victory against South Africa, thanks to outstanding performances from Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, who both claimed six wickets each. On Day 2, Bumrah led the charge by dismantling the Proteas at 176, with Aiden Markram contributing 106 runs.
Although India faced a minor hiccup, losing three wickets while chasing a modest target of 79 runs, they successfully crossed the finish line in just 12 overs. This crucial win leveled the two-match series 1-1, marking the first time this has happened in 13 years. Additionally, India Vs South Africa Test match earned the distinction of being the shortest Test match in cricket history.
India South Africa Test Match Highlights
In a historic victory, Rohit Sharma became only the second Indian captain, following MS Dhoni, to avoid a Test series defeat in South Africa. Before this series, India had faced seven losses and one draw in Test series in South Africa since 1992. Notably, this win marked India’s first-ever Test victory in Cape Town.
Remarkably, the Test match concluded in just five sessions of play, setting a record for the shortest Test with a result in terms of overs bowled. The previous record was held by a 1932 match between Australia and South Africa, lasting 109.2 overs in Melbourne.
The Cape Town match wrapped up in 107.1 overs, with South Africa’s first innings lasting 23.2 overs, India’s first innings lasting 34.5 overs, South Africa batting for 37 overs in their second innings, and India successfully chasing down the target in 12 overs. This remarkable achievement made for a total of 107.1 overs bowled in Cape Town.
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India South Africa Test Match 1st Innings Carnage
On the first day of the Test match, an extraordinary event unfolded as an astonishing 23 wickets tumbled down. This unique occurrence marked a remarkable performance by Mohammed Siraj, who took six wickets and limited South Africa to their lowest post-apartheid score of 55 within the first session.
Siraj showcased his best-ever figures by taking six wickets and conceding only 15 runs in nine overs. Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed with two wickets each.
India made a solid start with captain Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) forming a crucial partnership. After their dismissals, Virat Kohli guided the team beyond the 150-run mark, scoring 46 runs. However, a collapse ensued in the 34th over when Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, dismissing KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.
The downfall continued as Mohammed Siraj was run out in the next over, followed by Kagiso Rabada claiming the wickets of Kohli and Prasidh Krishna. India, initially at 153 for 4, lost their last six wickets in just 11 balls without adding any more runs to the scoreboard.
Dean Elgar’s Farewell
Dean Elgar became the first South African batsman to be out in their second innings, scoring 12 runs from 28 deliveries in his farewell international cricket match. As he left the field on Day 1, both Proteas and Indian players joined in a warm ovation for him.
Mukesh, the bowler who dismissed Elgar, claimed another wicket by removing Tony de Zorzi, bringing the hosts to 41 for 2. Bumrah concluded an eventful day by dismissing young Tristan Stubbs, leaving South Africa with a total of 62 for 3 at the close of Day 1.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Spectacular Bowling Performance
On the second day of the Test match, South Africa began their innings at 62 for 3. India’s bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, played a crucial role by delivering an outstanding performance. Bumrah started the day by getting rid of David Bedingham, who struggled against a late-seam movement, resulting in an edge caught by wicket-keeper KL Rahul.
Following that, Bumrah bowled a delivery that led to Kyle Verreynne’s dismissal as he hit it straight to Mohammed Siraj at mid-on. Bumrah continued his impressive spell by catching and bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen and dismissing Keshav Maharaj.
This achievement marked Bumrah’s ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, putting him on par with the legendary Javagal Srinath for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in Tests in South Africa.
Markram Century
Amidst the fall of wickets, South Africa’s Aiden Markram took charge against the Indian pace attack. Despite the challenging situation, Markram showcased his skill by achieving a remarkable century, marking his seventh in Test cricket. This boosted South Africa’s morale in a Test match that seemed to be slipping away, especially after Bumrah’s impressive performance on Day 2.
KL Rahul provided Markram with a second chance by dropping a routine catch off Bumrah’s delivery. Markram seized the opportunity, punishing Prasidh Krishna with a stunning 19-run over before reaching his hundred in the 30th over.
However, Markram’s innings concluded when he lofted a good length delivery from Siraj, and Rohit Sharma, the skipper, made a crucial catch at long-off.
Following this, Prasidh dismissed Rabada, and Bumrah returned to the attack, surpassing Srinath to become India’s leading Test wicket-taker in South Africa. The South African team was eventually bowled out for 176 runs, setting a target of 79 runs for India to chase.
India’s Dominant Victory Over South Africa
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit led the charge against the South African pacers in the final innings of the game. In the opening over, Jaiswal played a brilliant knock, scoring 11 runs off Rabada and giving India a strong start.
Jaiswal continued his attacking play, making 28 runs from 23 balls with six boundaries before getting dismissed by Nandre Burger. Although Shubman Gill looked promising, Rabada bowled a delivery that stayed low, shattering his stumps. Kohli followed suit, edging a Jansen delivery to wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne.
Rohit and Shreyas Iyer then steered India to victory, achieving the 79-run target in just 12 overs. Rohit contributed 17 runs from 22 deliveries, including two boundaries, while Iyer finished the Test match with a boundary.
After this Test series, India is set to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series starting on January 11. Meanwhile, South Africa will be heading to New Zealand for a two-match Test series against the Kiwis.
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India South Africa Test Match FAQs
Q.1. Who were the standout performers in India South Africa Test Match?
Ans. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah delivered exceptional performances, claiming six wickets each.
Q.2. What records were set in the India vs. South Africa Test series?
Ans. The series ended 1-1, marking the first time in 13 years, and the Test match became the shortest Test with a result in terms of overs bowled.
Q.3. How did Aiden Markram contribute to South Africa’s innings?
Ans. Markram showcased his skill by scoring a remarkable century, his seventh in Test cricket.
Q.4. Who led India’s successful chase in the final innings of the second Test?
Ans. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit led the charge, with Jaiswal making an attacking 28 before being dismissed.
Q.5. What’s next for India and South Africa after the Test series?
Ans. India faces Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, starting on January 11, while South Africa travels to New Zealand for a two-match Test series against the Kiwis.
