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South Africa vs India, Freedom Trophy, 2023/24 Full score card
2nd Test, Newlands, Cape Town, 03 Jan, 2024
![South Africa](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/south-africa.png)
South Africa
SA
55/10
(23.2) overs
176/10
(36.5) overs
![India](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/india.png)
India
IND
153/10
(34.5) overs
80/3
(12.0) overs
India beat South Africa by 7 wickets
Player Of The Match
Mohammed Siraj,
India
![India](https://images.tv9hindi.com/images/large_flags/india.png)
India • 80/3 (12.0 overs)
Y Jaiswal 28 (23)
R Sharma 17 (22)
K Rabada 1/34 (6)
N Burger 1/29 (4)
South Africa • 176/10 (36.5 overs)
A Markram 106 (103)
D Elgar 12 (28)
J Bumrah 6/61 (13.5)
M Kumar 2/56 (10)
India • 153/10 (34.5 overs)
V Kohli 46 (59)
R Sharma 39 (50)
K Rabada 3/38 (11.5)
L Ngidi 3/30 (6)
South Africa • 55/10 (23.2 overs)
K Verreynne 15 (30)
D Bedingham 12 (17)
M Siraj 6/15 (9)
M Kumar 2/0 (2.2)
Commentary
We are back for the chase! Dean Elgar walks out for the final time before his retirement and he receives a Guard of Honor from his teammates. South African players spread out and take their respective field positions now. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are the two openers for India. Kagiso Rabada to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... FOURTH INNINGS ...
India commenced Day 2 on a fiery note, bowling with precision and intensity. Jasprit Bumrah stood out as the star bowler, securing a six-wicket haul by swiftly dismantling the Proteas' middle order within the first hour of play. Mukesh Kumar did pretty well supporting Bumrah from the other end. However, the momentum shifted as Aiden Markram's bat unleashed a flurry of runs, exposing a lapse in India's execution of hitting the hard lengths. Markram being dropped by KL Rahul when he was on 73 put a lot of extra runs on the board for the Indians to chase and he was looking strong when Mohammed Siraj provided the key breakthrough by dismissing the centurion. Prasidh Krishna then contributed effectively, claiming crucial wickets towards the end. An exciting climax awaits at Newlands as India will come out to bat chasing 79 runs in the second session coming to you shortly. Join us at 4.10 pm IST (10.40 am GMT) in what will mostly be the last session of this Test.
The Proteas faced early setbacks as wickets fell consistently around Aiden Markram at the start of the day. However, Markram's exceptional innings, where he played aggressively to notch up a century, injected vitality into the Proteas' performance. Kagiso Rabada played a good knock by surviving the Indian pace attack but after Aiden Markram was dismissed, he too was sent back. A resilient lower-order stand towards the end propelled the Proteas to a lead of 78 runs. This provides them with a cushion to punch at as they head to the final innings with the ball. The match hangs in the balance, and it will be up to the bowlers to try and do what the Indian bowlers did in the first Session of Day 1.
The third inning concludes as the Proteas are bundled up for 176 runs, setting India a target of 79 runs with three more days of play ahead. The stage is now set for a compelling chase. We will have the Lunch break a couple of minutes early and after the break, India will begin their run chase.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! That is it and India have managed to keep their target under the three-figure mark. Jasprit Bumrah finishes things off with his sixth wicket in the inning. He serves this one full again and on middle, angles in, Lungi Ngidi looks to play at it but the ball nips away late and takes the outside edge and flies towards third slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal takes another good catch. South Africa have been bowled out for 176!
Pitches this one up and on off, Nandre Burger pushes it through covers for another run. Can India keep the target under 100 here?
Jasprit Bumrah pulls his length back this time, on off, nips away a bit, Nandre Burger tries to cut it close from his body but misses.
A bit fuller and on middle, Lungi Ngidi clips it through square leg for a single. South Africa leads by 77 runs now!
Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length and around middle, shaping in, Lungi Ngidi looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads here.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 174/9
N Burger5 (18)
L Ngidi7 (7)
M Siraj9-3-31-1
Goes fuller this time, on off, Nandre Burger strides out and drives it straight to short covers.
A bouncer now, angling into the leg, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Good effort! Mohammed Siraj pitches it up and on middle, Lungi Ngidi shows the full face of the bat and drives it past the bowler as Mukesh Kumar chases after it and dives forward to push it back inside. Three runs taken.
Jaffa! Mohammed Siraj sticks to the good length around off. Lungi Ngidi tries to play it with a straight bat but misreads the line and the ball misses the top of off stump by a whisker.
On a very good length around off. Lungi Ngidi swings his blade but doesn't find the connection.
Straight and full on the off pole. Lungi Ngidi flicks it away off his bat foot through mid-wicket to run a brace. Also gets a loud applause from the crowd.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 169/9
N Burger5 (16)
L Ngidi2 (3)
P Krishna4-1-27-1
Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger blocks it out with a straight bat down the pitch.
FOUR! A bit streaky but South Africa won't mind! Prasidh Krishna bangs this one short and outside off, Nandre Burger gets the opportunity to free his arms and slashes at it and gets an outside edge over the keeper's head for a boundary.
On a length and on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger knocks it back to the bowler.
Prasidh Krishna serves this one very full and around off, shaping away, Nandre Burger goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a length and around off, Lungi Ngidi stays back and guides it through backward point for a single.
Follows the batter well here! Prasidh Krishna sees the batter back away a bit and bangs this one short of a length and on leg, angling in, Lungi Ngidi gets hurried but manages to sway away from the ball and does well to keep his bat away as well.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 164/9
N Burger1 (12)
L Ngidi1 (1)
M Siraj8-3-26-1
An appeal for bat-pad, but turned down! This is on a good length and down the leg, Nandre Burger once again looks to flick but misses as the ball loops up off his thigh pads to short leg who grabs it and appeals. The umpire says no.
Pitched up and on leg again, Nandre Burger misses his flick and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.
Mohammed Siraj goes a bit fuller and around leg, Nandre Burger tries to work it away but misses due to the movement away and gets hit high on the pads.
BEATEN! Mohammed Siraj lands this one on a hard length and around off, angling away this time, Nandre Burger hops up and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Siraj gives a firm stare to Burger to show some aggression.
Another bouncer but Siraj loses his line a bit and ends up serving it down the leg side, Nandre Burger makes an easy leave. The umpire says one for the over.
Mohammed Siraj starts th over with a sharp bouncer around middle, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 164/9
N Burger1 (6)
L Ngidi1 (1)
P Krishna3-1-22-1
A full toss now, on off, Nandre Burger opens the face of his bat and steers it through point for a single.
Overpitched and around off, Nandre Burger drills it towards mid off.
Commentary
We are back again for South Africa's second innings on Day 1 itself! The players are already out in the middle now. Dean Elgar walks out to bat for one last time for the Proteas in Test cricket along with Aiden Markram. Jasprit Bumrah to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
After being bowled out for just 55, South Africa needed early breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada did provide it by getting rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal but they allowed Gill and Rohit Sharma to build up a partnership which helped India get past the Proteas total. Gill and Sharma fell in quick succession while Shreyas Iyer failed to make much impact as well. It was then the stand between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul that steadied things and they were looking well set to take a decent lead but that collapse meant they were stopped in their tracks and had to settle for lead of 98 runs.
We have seen something really extraordinary here! India lost their last six wickets for absolutely no runs and they have been bowled out for 153 runs here with a lead of 98 runs which seems to be a massive one on this wicket. South Africa looked a bit under pressure after Tea as the visitors were scoring runs comfortably, but that KL Rahul dismissal forced a massive collapse for them. Thanks to some early contributions from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and a crucial knock of 46 from Virat Kohli have given the visitors a bit of breathing space in this Test.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Kagiso Rabada finishes things off! India have been bowled out for 153! Kagiso Rabada bowls it in the channel on off, on a full length, Prasidh Krishna fiddles at the delivery away from his body and gets an outside edge that travels at a good height behind the stumps. Aiden Markram, at second slip, dives low to his left and pouches it without much fuss. The crowd cannot believe what they have seen as India lose their last 6 wickets without scoring a run.
OUT! RUN OUT! Utter chaos! This dismissal just about sums up what has happened in the last couple of overs! Rabada serves it on a length, on off, Prasidh Krishna looks to drive it through the off side but does not move his feet much. Mishits the shot towards mid on and Mohammed Siraj sets off for the single. Nandre Burger, at straightish short mid-wicket, moves across to his left and picks it up cleanly. Siraj is halfway through his run and it is too late for him to return. Burger runs towards the stumps and as he sees Siraj turning back towards the bowling end, he releases an underarm throw and hits the stumps at that end to catch the Indian pacer well short of his crease. There was never a run and it was a brain-fade moment for Mohammed Siraj. India's lead remains where it was at the fall of the 5th wicket.
Serves it full and outside off, Prasidh Krishna drives away from his body without much conviction as the ball rolls towards point.
Prasidh Krishna comes out to the middle now.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Kagiso Rabada strikes now! He gets the big fish, Virat Kohli and it's a mega collapse for the visitors. India are falling like nine pins here. Kagiso Rabada lands this one on a good length and in the corridor of uncertainty, the ball nips away a bit, Virat Kohli tries to push at it without much footwork and gets a thick outside edge towards the second slip fielder where Aiden Markram takes a sharp low catch in front of him. The third umpire wants to check if that is clean or not. The replays show that it is a fair catch and Kohli, who was asked to wait near the boundary line, can go and take a shower.
Fuller one and around off, shaping away, Virat Kohli goes for the big drive through the line but misses it completely.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 153/7
M Siraj0 (1)
V Kohli46 (57)
L Ngidi6-1-30-3
Just short of a length, around middle and off, Mohammed Siraj blocks it on the bounce with a straight bat. What an over this has been, a triple-wicket maiden!
The star with the ball for India, Mohammed Siraj makes his way out to the centre.
OUT! TAKEN! THREE IN THE OVER! This is something extraordinary happening at Cape Town. It is the same combination once again for South Africa. Lungi Ngidi lands this one on a hard length again and around off, angles in with extra bounce once more. Jasprit Bumrah stays back to fend at it but it takes the shoulder of the bat and loops towards gully where Marco Jansen this time leaps and pouches it safely. Lungi Ngidi, who started looking like the weak link in this South African bowling attack, has suddenly woken up from his slumber and his triple strike has given South Africa a semblance of chance. Mind you, India still have a very handy 98-run lead.
On the hard length, around middle and off, angling into the batter, Jasprit Bumrah covers the line well and blocks it out.
Jasprit Bumrah is the new man in for India.
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Lungi Ngidi with the double whammy here! Ravindra Jadeja goes back to the hut for a duck. This one is on a hard length and around middle, angling away with some steep bounce again, Ravindra Jadeja stays back and looks to work it across the line but closes the face of his bat a bit too early and fails to ride the bounce. The ball loops off the gloves in front of gully where once again the tall Marco Jansen dives forward to take another brilliant catch. India have lost the plot completely here!
Back of a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja hops back and taps it down to point.
Ravindra Jadeja comes out to bat now.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Lungi Ngidi strikes now! A loose shot from KL Rahul has cost him his wicket here. Ngidi lands this one short of a length and outside off, gets a bit of an extra bounce as well, KL Rahul backs away and looks to cut it over point but only manages to nick it behind. Kyle Verreynne makes no mistake. India lose half their side now!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 153/4
Rahul8 (32)
V Kohli46 (57)
K Rabada11-2-38-1
Short again from Rabada, on middle, KL Rahul pulls it again but there is protection in the deep and the ball rolls to deep square leg. They cross.
On a length and around off, KL Rahul steers it wide of point.
Kagiso Rabada bangs this one short and on middle, KL Rahul gets into a good position quickly and hammers it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length again and on off, keeps a bit low, KL Rahul looks to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Rabada is asking whether it is pad first or not but they decide to opt against the review.
This is on a good length and on off, KL Rahul gets surprised by the extra bounce and bunts it towards point.
Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, KL Rahul works it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 148/4
V Kohli46 (57)
Rahul3 (26)
L Ngidi5-0-30-0
Fuller this time, around middle and off, Virat Kohli wrists it to mid-wicket on the front foot.
A touch shorter, around the middle and leg stump line, KL Rahul tucks it to deep square leg and gets another single.
Easy singles being taken here. Lungi Ngidi pitches this on a length, around the off stump line, Virat Kohli taps it to mid-wicket and gets another single.
Short of a length, angling into the right-hander, KL Rahul works it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Fuller, on the stumps, Virat Kohli flicks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
Commentary
We are back for the second session on Day 1 of this New Year's Test! The sun is shining in its full glory as the two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. It will be Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma to open the innings for India. Kagiso Rabada will start with the red cherry for South Africa. Off we go...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
As the scoreboard suggests, there is not much to write home about South Africa's batting effort. In the first Test at Centurion, they missed more than they nicked but it was the other way around here. Having won the toss in his farewell Test, Dean Elgar would have hoped for his side to take advantage of the good batting conditions. It turned out to be a forgettable batting performance as none of the Protea batters could show any resistance and surrendered themselves against the relentless Indian pace attack. Their top order fell without much on the board which is when David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne got together to forge a recovery. The latter was soon dismissed before Verreynne threw in the towel as he chased at a wide delivery. The tail could not wag much either which meant that South Africa were bowled out in the first session of this New Year's Test. Will South African pacers have the same impact as their counterparts? We shall find out when we return for the second session in a short while.
Having lacked discipline with their lines and lengths in the first Test, India needed to step up with the ball if they were to level the series. The Indian pacers were relentless and they were backed up by the fielders to skittle South Africa out for a paltry total. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone as he got the ball to talk in his first over and his new ball partner, Mohammed Siraj backed it up from the other end. As he did at Centurion, Siraj nipped Aiden Markram in the bud before going on to get the big wicket of Dean Elgar. Jasprit Bumrah got into the act as well to put South Africa in even more strife. Having gotten rid of Elgar, Siraj grew in confidence and simply ran through the Proteas middle order to end up with six wickets. Prasidh Krishna may not have gotten any wickets but he was much more disciplined than he was in the first Test while Mukesh Kumar made an immediate impact to finish with two wickets.
Mohammed Siraj holds the ball aloft as India complete a dominant effort with the ball to bundle South Africa for 55! Now, that is some way to bounce back from an innings defeat in the previous Test! India have absolutely steamrolled South Africa in the first session of this New Year's Test thanks mainly to Siraj's 6 for 15. As far as South Africa are concerned, it has been a dismal batting performance from them and they find themselves behind the eight ball at LUNCH on DAY 1!
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! That is the end of the nightmare for the Proteas! Mukesh Kumar finishes things off for India. He lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away sharply, Kagiso Rabada hangs his bat away to block but only manages to get a thick outside edge towards the fourth slip fielder where Shreyas Iyer tumbles to his right to complete a good catch. South Africa have been bowled out for just 55!
Oh..close! Mukesh Kumar bowls this on a hard length and on off, angles in sharply, Kagiso Rabada leaves it on length and the ball just goes over the off pole.
Lungi Ngidi is the last man in for South Africa. With the Proteas nine wickets down, the first session has been extended by 30 minutes!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 55/9
N Burger4 (11)
K Rabada5 (11)
J Bumrah8-1-25-2
OUT! TAKEN AT SLIPS! Jasprit Bumrah strikes now and this is another fine catch. This is fuller in length and outside off, Nandre Burger stays in his crease and throws his bat at it without any footwork and the absolutely flies off the outside edge towards the third slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a very sharp catch. South Africa nine down now!
FOUR! A streaky one but the crowd loves it! This is on a good length and around off, shaping away, Nandre Burger strides out to play at it but gets an outside through the vacant backward point region for a boundary.
In the blockhole, on off, angling in, Nandre Burger jams it on the bounce to gully.
Jasprit Bumrah bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Full again and on middle, shaping away, Nandre Burger looks to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards gully.
Uppish but safe! This is full and around leg, Kagiso Rabada clips it in the air but wide of mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 50/8
N Burger0 (6)
K Rabada4 (10)
M Kumar2-2-0-1
BEATEN! Mukesh Kumar bowls this one on a good length and on the sixth stump line, no movement this time, Nandre Burger has a poke at it but the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Nandre Burger looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball rolls to the off side.
Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger tries to block it out but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Back of a length and outside off, shaping further away, Nandre Burger leaves it alone.
Touch fuller and on off, shaping away, Nandre Burger tries to play at it but misses it.
On a length and around off, Nandre Burger lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 50/8
K Rabada4 (10)
N Burger0 (0)
J Bumrah7-1-20-1
Brave shot! Jasprit Bumrah goes a bit fuller and on off, Kagiso Rabada backs away a bit and lofts it nicely over mid off for a couple of runs, Rabada sets off for the third but is sent back, and the fielder has a wild throw which goes over the pitch. A huge cheer from the crowd as 50 is up for South Africa!
BEATEN AGAIN! A bit too good from Jasprit Bumrah! He bowls this on a good length again, angles in on middle and nips away after hitting the deck again, Kagiso Rabada has a feel for it but once again gets beaten on the outside edge.
BEAUTY! Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length and on middle, angles in and straightens sharply, Kagiso Rabada tried to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Short of a length and well outside off, Kagiso Rabada this time decides to leave it alone.
Back of a length and just around off, Kagiso Rabada looks to cut it away but misses.
Fuller one and on middle, shaping away, Kagiso Rabada pushes it with a straight bat through mid off for a brace.
Nandre Burger comes out to bat. Also, Jasprit Bumrah (6-1-16-1) is back for a burst to clean up the tail.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 46/8
K Maharaj3 (13)
K Rabada0 (4)
M Kumar1-1-0-1
OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Mukesh Kumar gets a wicket now! He sets up the batter nicely here sticking to his fuller lengths on the previous couple of deliveries. This time he bangs in a quick and sharp short delivery, on middle, Keshav Maharaj is not expecting that but still goes for the pull shot. However, the ball gets big on him and he fails to transfer his weight on the back foot and miscues it off the upper half of the bat towards mid-wicket. Jasprit Bumrah takes a comfortable catch and South Africa are eight down now!
Fuller length once more and around off, Keshav Maharaj drills it wide of cover-point for no run.
Pitched up and on off, shaping in, Keshav Maharaj knocks it towards mid on.
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y Jaiswal c T Stubbs b N Burger |
28 | 23 | 6 | 0 | 121.73 |
R Sharma not out | 17 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 77.27 |
S Gill b K Rabada |
10 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 90.90 |
V Kohli c K Verreynne b M Jansen |
12 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 109.09 |
S Iyer not out | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 66.66 |
Extras
(b 1,lb 1,w 6,nb 1,Penalty 0) |
9 | ||||
Total
12.0 (RR: 6.67)
|
80/3 |
Did not bat: Rahul, R Jadeja, J Bumrah, M Siraj, P Krishna, M Kumar
Fall of wickets:
(Y Jaiswal, 5.4 ov) (S Gill, 8.3 ov) (V Kohli, 11.1 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
K Rabada |
6 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 5.66 |
N Burger |
4 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
M Jansen |
2 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 7.50 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Markram c R Sharma b M Siraj |
106 | 103 | 17 | 2 | 102.91 |
D Elgar c V Kohli b M Kumar |
12 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 42.85 |
de Zorzi c Rahul b M Kumar |
1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14.28 |
T Stubbs c Rahul b J Bumrah |
1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7.14 |
D Bedingham c Rahul b J Bumrah |
11 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 91.66 |
K Verreynne c M Siraj b J Bumrah |
9 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 128.57 |
M Jansen c & b J Bumrah |
11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 122.22 |
K Maharaj c S Iyer b J Bumrah |
3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75 |
K Rabada c R Sharma b P Krishna |
2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 16.66 |
N Burger not out | 6 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
L Ngidi c Y Jaiswal b J Bumrah |
8 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 80 |
Extras
(b 0,lb 1,w 0,nb 5,Penalty 0) |
6 | ||||
Total
36.5 (RR: 4.78)
|
176/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(D Elgar, 10.2 ov) (de Zorzi, 12.1 ov) (T Stubbs, 15.2 ov) (D Bedingham, 18 ov) (K Verreynne, 21.1 ov) (M Jansen, 23.5 ov) (K Maharaj, 25.2 ov) (A Markram, 31.4 ov) (K Rabada, 32.1 ov) (L Ngidi, 36.5 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
J Bumrah |
13.5 | 0 | 61 | 6 | 4.40 |
M Siraj |
9 | 3 | 31 | 1 | 3.44 |
M Kumar |
10 | 2 | 56 | 2 | 5.60 |
P Krishna |
4 | 1 | 27 | 1 | 6.75 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y Jaiswal b K Rabada |
0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
R Sharma c M Jansen b N Burger |
39 | 50 | 7 | 0 | 78 |
S Gill c M Jansen b N Burger |
36 | 55 | 5 | 0 | 65.45 |
V Kohli c A Markram b K Rabada |
46 | 59 | 6 | 1 | 77.96 |
S Iyer c K Verreynne b N Burger |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rahul c K Verreynne b L Ngidi |
8 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 24.24 |
R Jadeja c M Jansen b L Ngidi |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
J Bumrah c M Jansen b L Ngidi |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Siraj run out (N Burger) |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
P Krishna c A Markram b K Rabada |
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Kumar not out | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Extras
(b 4,lb 10,w 5,nb 5,Penalty 0) |
24 | ||||
Total
34.5 (RR: 4.39)
|
153/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(Y Jaiswal, 2.1 ov) (R Sharma, 14.2 ov) (S Gill, 21 ov) (S Iyer, 22.2 ov) (Rahul, 33.1 ov) (R Jadeja, 33.3 ov) (J Bumrah, 33.5 ov) (V Kohli, 34.2 ov) (M Siraj, 34.4 ov) (P Krishna, 34.5 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
K Rabada |
11.5 | 2 | 38 | 3 | 3.21 |
L Ngidi |
6 | 1 | 30 | 3 | 5.00 |
N Burger |
8 | 2 | 42 | 3 | 5.25 |
M Jansen |
9 | 2 | 29 | 0 | 3.22 |
Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Markram c Y Jaiswal b M Siraj |
2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
D Elgar b M Siraj |
4 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 26.66 |
de Zorzi c Rahul b M Siraj |
2 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 11.76 |
T Stubbs c R Sharma b J Bumrah |
3 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 27.27 |
D Bedingham c Y Jaiswal b M Siraj |
12 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 70.58 |
K Verreynne c S Gill b M Siraj |
15 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 50 |
M Jansen c Rahul b M Siraj |
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
K Maharaj c J Bumrah b M Kumar |
3 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 23.07 |
K Rabada c S Iyer b M Kumar |
5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 38.46 |
N Burger c Y Jaiswal b J Bumrah |
4 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 36.36 |
L Ngidi not out | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Extras
(b 4,lb 1,w 0,nb 0,Penalty 0) |
5 | ||||
Total
23.2 (RR: 2.36)
|
55/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(A Markram, 3.2 ov) (D Elgar, 5.3 ov) (T Stubbs, 8.3 ov) (de Zorzi, 9.2 ov) (D Bedingham, 15.2 ov) (M Jansen, 15.5 ov) (K Verreynne, 17.5 ov) (K Maharaj, 20 ov) (N Burger, 23 ov) (K Rabada, 23.2 ov)Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
J Bumrah |
8 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 3.12 |
M Siraj |
9 | 3 | 15 | 6 | 1.66 |
P Krishna |
4 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 2.50 |
M Kumar |
2.2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
Commentary
Right then, that is it from the shortest Test in the history of cricket. India finally managed to defeat South Africa in Cape Town and Rohit Sharma became the first Indian captain to do so. The trophy has been handed over to him and the South African skipper Dean Elgar and both of them pose for pictures as this series is shared and the final frontier still stays unbreachable for India. The Indian team along with all the staff also pose for a team picture. The Men in Blue now shift their focus to the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The first game will be played on 11th January, Thursday at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) while the South African players will join their respective teams for the SA20 which starts on 10th January, Wednesday. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!
Rohit Sharma, the victorious skipper of India gives an Indian jersey signed by all the players to Dean Elgar as a farewell gift. He says that he feels the bowlers bowled brilliantly and their plans worked. He also credits the batters to bat deep and get a lead in the first innings but is disappointed with the last 6 wickets that they lost for no runs. He appreciates Siraj for bowling a fiery spell and says that it was all about bowling the balls in the right areas. He mentions that South Africa has always been challenging but they are working on their performance while travelling to different countries. He credits South Africa for being such a good cricket team and is also proud of how his team performed. On Dean Elgar, he says that he is a tough batter to have in the opposition and they all appreciate how important he has been for his country and wish him the best for his future. He moves on to collect the trophy along with Dean Elgar as the series ends at 1-1.
Dean Elgar, the captain of South Africa says this was a tough defeat to take as they came into this game with higher expectations and momentum. He adds that a 2-0 result would've been nice. He further talks about the pitch and says it was a ripper but looked like a good wicket to the naked eye. He further concludes that he doesn't regret the decision to bat first considering the track record but unfortunately, they ended up on the receiving end.
The captain of South Africa, Dean Elgar, and Jasprit Bumrah are the JOINT PLAYERS OF THE SERIES. Elgar says he would have liked to do a bit more in this game but is happy with his performance overall. He further says that as a player one wants to test himself against the best and it was great to face off this Indian bowling lineup although he is happy to not have to face them again. He concludes that the baggy green he wore in this game was from 2012 and has lots of memories and it stays special. Bumrah says that this ground is special for him and it is good to win a match here. Adds that 2018 was a crucial year for the bowling unit and they started working on their bowling performance in overseas conditions. It has been a difficult road till here and mentions that bowling in South Africa has always proven to be tough. Mentions that he didn't expect the game to end in two days, and it is amazing how Test cricket always gives you surprises.
Mohammed Siraj is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his incredible bowling effort. Siraj says that it is good to get his best figures in Test cricket and he wanted to bowl in consistent areas. He mentions that he worked hard on improving his line and lengths since the last game and executed it well in this game. He mentions that Bumrah sets the tone for the pacers and it is fun to bowl alongside him. He further thanks his fans and asks them to keep supporting him.
Presentation Time...
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Dean Elgarr's decision backfired as the Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Siraj's career-best 6 for 15, bundled out South Africa for a mere 55 which was the lowest total by any team against India in Tests. Only Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham managed double figures. Post Lunch on Day 1, India seemed poised with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill steadying the ship. However, a shocking collapse saw them lose six wickets for no runs setting an unwanted record for them of losing the most number of wickets on the same score as they were bowled out for 153. Despite Virat Kohli and KL Rahul's partnership, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi's triple-wicket maiden post-Tea swung the momentum their way, restricting India's lead to 98 runs.
There was anticipation that Day 2 of this Test would turn out to be the Final Day and that is exactly what happened but there was no shortage of entertainment. It all started with Jasprit Bumrah getting an early wicket in the very first over. A couple of poor shot selections mixed with some excellent catching saw the Proteas reeling at 111 for 7. However, just when the visitors were looking in control, KL Rahul dropped Aiden Markram on 73 which made the batter take an ultra-aggressive approach. He smashed Prasidh Krishna all over the park in the next over and then registered a scintillating hundred on a pitch where no other batter could even cross the 50-run mark. He dedicated this century to his skipper, Dean Elgar who bids adieu to international cricket. His solo fight came to an end when he was dismissed on 106 and the tail couldn't wag much as they only managed to set up a target of 79 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a quick-fire start along with Rohit Sharma to India and almost cut the deficit in half. They did lose, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, but the captain stayed unbeaten on 17 while Shreyas Iyer hit the winning runs to seal the victory.
INDIA CREATE HISTORY! It was January 2021 when India breached the 'Fortress Gabba' after 32 years and now in January 2024, they have managed to breach Newlands in Cape Town. In doing so, they become the first-ever Asian team to defeat South Africa on this ground. The Men in Blue also level the two-match series and have achieved this feat for the first time since 2011. This Test also becomes the quickest one to end in the history of cricket in terms of balls, as it took only 642 legitimate balls to get us a result.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 80/3
S Iyer4 (6)
R Sharma17 (22)
M Jansen2-0-15-1
FOUR! Shreyas Iyer seals the deal and India have levelled the series. Marco Jansen delivers it full and on the stumps. Shreyas Iyer lofts it straight down the ground and all the fielders are stationed within the 30-yard circle. The ball meets the fence and India win the final Test match by 7 wickets. We bid Dean Elgar farewell and so do all the players from both teams. Quite an emotional moment on the ground for Elgar as he fights back his tears. India still failed to win a Test series on South African soil but they do well to level this one. A historic win for India, their first in Cape Town.
Full and outside off. Shreyas Iyer reaches for it and drives it to mid off. Oh No! Marco Jansen has overstepped and the umpire signals a No-Ball. Jansen will have to re-bowl it.
A spicy bouncer that kept climbing. Shreyas Iyer is left clueless by this one as he hops and fends it off the gloves just short of the slip cordon.
Banged in short over off. Shreyas Iyer pulls but doesn't find the connection needed. The keeper manages to get a glove on it and prevents extra runs.
On the hard length around off. Shreyas Iyer blocks it off his back foot on the off side.
Fuller, and on the stumps. Shreyas Iyer blocks it from the crease into the ground.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An excellent review from South Africa and Virat Kohli will not be able to stay unbeaten here. Marco Jansen lands this short of a length and down the leg side, Virat Kohli tries to finish things off and goes for the hook but misses as the ball passes very close to his gloves and Kyle Verreynne moves to his left to grab it. There is an appeal but it is turned down. The South African players look confident and Elgar takes the review. It turns out to be a great decision as UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is near the gloves. Kohli smiles and walks back to the hut as the on-field call is overturned. Shreyas Iyer is the next man in with India just one hit away from the win now!
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 75/2
V Kohli12 (10)
R Sharma17 (22)
K Rabada6-0-34-1
A fraction fuller, angling into the right-hander, Virat Kohli walks down the pitch again and tucks it to mid on for a single.
FOUR! That's more like it. Does what he intended to do the previous ball. Kagiso Rabada bowls this back of a length, around middle and leg, Virat Kohli gets down the pitch and wacks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Very unlike Virat Kohli! Kagiso Rabada pitches this short, hard into the deck, over middle, Virat Kohli dances down the track and looks to play across the line. The ball zips past to the keeper.
DROPPED! It seems like the South African fielders do not want Rohit Sharma to get out here. Kagiso Rabada bangs this one short and around off, Rohit Sharma goes for his favourite pull shot but gets a top edge as the ball flies miles in the air, Tony de Zorzi at point tries to settle under it for a reverse-cup, but spills it out in the end. A single is taken. Now, the description that you read so far is based on what we saw live. The replays tell more than what actually happened. Tony de Zorzi is at point and is reluctant to go for the catch as he feels that it belongs to Marco Jansen who is standing in the gully region. Zorzi for some time is heard saying 'yours' to Jansen and there is someone else also shouting the same - It's the bowler, Rabada. The pacer sees clearly that it is Zorzi's catch. Eventually, Tony de Zorzi gets under the skier, without keeping his balance and his hands are also moving and to be honest, he never looked like taking the catch. It's dropped and Rabada misses the opportunity to dismiss Rohit Sharma yet again in Test cricket.
On a very good length around off. Rohit Sharma blocks it on the off side and refuses to run. It seems as if the Indians don't want to take risks against Kagiso Rabada.
On the hard length over off. Virat Kohli nudges it away to mid-wicket and takes a single.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 68/2
R Sharma16 (20)
V Kohli6 (6)
M Jansen1-0-10-0
FOUR! Good Shot! Marco Jansen delivers it full and on the off pole. Rohit Sharma lofts it over the mid off fielder. The ball is hit well and it runs off the fence for four runs more. Only 11 needed to level the series now.
Slow and fuller outside off. Rohit Sharma is beaten as he tries to play it on the off side.
On length around off. Virat Kohli flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. A miracle needed for South Africa now.
FOUR! Flicked away nicely! Marco Jansen sticks to the hard length and bowls it on the pads. Virat Kohli flicks it with good timing. The ball runs away to the fine leg fence for four runs. Just 16 more needed to win.
Almost caught and bowled! Marco Jansen lands this on a good length, on middle, sticks to the surface a bit, Virat Kohli is a bit early into his drive and ends up chipping it down the pitch, but the ball falls well wide of the bowler.
Marco Jansen bangs it very short and the ball is over Rohit Sharma's head. He leaves it alone as the umpire signals a wide.
Fuller, and outside off. Virat Kohli shoulders arms and lets the keeper collect it.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 58/2
R Sharma12 (18)
V Kohli1 (2)
K Rabada5-0-27-1
Jaffa! Kagiso Rabada sticks to the hard length and the ball nips away out after hitting the deck. Rohit Sharma seems to have nicked it as the keeper appeals. South Africa has gone for the review and the UltraEdge confirms that there is no bat involved. South Africa lose a review.
A bit short around off. Virat Kohli pushes it on the off side and sets off for a quick single.
On a good length outside off. Virat Kohli defends. This might be an interesting battle to watch.
Virat Kohli comes out to the middle now with India needing just 22 runs now.
OUT! TIMBER! Kagiso Rabada has the last laugh! He delivers it fuller and on the stumps. This one nips back and keeps low as well. Shubman Gill tries to cover the line and block it out but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls away into the stumps and Gill will have to walk back as well. The Proteas are not going down without a fight.
FOUR! POWERFUL! Short and outside off. Shubman Gill slaps the ball hard and in the gap through cover. The ball runs away to the fence like a tracer bullet for four runs.
A tough chance DROPPED! Kagiso Rabada delivers it on length outside off. Rohit Sharma comes down the track and has to reach for the ball to slice it over point. The fielder runs in from third man and puts in a dive to catch it. However, he fails to hold onto it. The batters get a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 52/1
S Gill6 (9)
R Sharma11 (16)
N Burger4-0-29-1
On the good length, around off, shaping in a bit after bouncing off the deck, Shubman Gill tries to play through the line but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a very good length around off. Shubman Gill blocks it, standing back in the crease.
FOUR! Sweetly timed! Nandre Burger delivers it full and on the stumps. Shubman Gill covers the line and drives it from the sweet spot on his blade with superb timing. The ball runs away to the fence for four runs. Fifty up for India as well. 27 runs needed to win.
Very full and on the off stump. Shubman Gill drives it through covers and is quick to run a couple of runs. 31 runs needed to win.
A bit short on the pads. Rohit Sharma is hit on the pads as the ball rolls away to fine leg. The batters run one as the umpire signals it as leg byes.
On length outside off. Rohit Sharma opts out of playing the shot and lets the keeper collect it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 45/1
S Gill0 (5)
R Sharma11 (14)
K Rabada4-0-21-0
Extra bounce! On the hard length outside off. Shubman Gill watches the ball fly away to the keeper.
Fuller, and on the off pole. Shubman Gill times his drive well but it is not in the gap. The fielder at covers collects it.
On length just over off. Shubman Gill patiently blocks it standing back in his crease.
A bit short over off. Rohit Sharma nudges it towards square leg for a single.
On the good length outside off. Rohit Sharma leaves it alone for the keeper to collect. Good decision.
Straight and full angling on the pads. Rohit Sharma is hit high on the pads hence the light-hearted appeal.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 44/1
S Gill0 (2)
R Sharma10 (11)
N Burger3-0-23-1
Too short over off. Shubman Gill opts out of playing a shot and lets it go to the keeper.
On the good length outside off. Shubman Gill blocks it on the off side safely.
Shubman Gill walks out to bat at number 3.
OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Nandre Burger draws first blood! Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to continue his attacking approach but loses his wicket in the process. Burger lands this one back of a length and on middle, it skids through a bit as well, Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the pull but this one hurries onto him and does not bounce that much as well. He loses his balance to go down and the ball flies off the sticker of the bat towards deep square leg, Tristan Stubbs there moves across to his left and pouches the skier safely. The replays, later on, show that when Jaiswal fell he got nearly hit-wicket as the flap of his pads was within touching distance of the stumps. Anyway, there was no disturbance caused to the stumps and the result remains caught in the deep. 35 needed more and Yashasvi Jaiswal's knock has made sure there are no jitters in the Indian dressing room.
FOUR! Superb Shot! Nandre Burger bowls it a bit full and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal is quick to read this one as he muscles it over mid off. The ball rockets away to the fence for four more runs to add to his total. 35 runs needed to win.
Nandre Burger drops it short on leg. Rohit Sharma tries to play his favourite pull shot but seems to have gotten a slight edge over the keeper. Kyle Verreynne does great jumping high as he gets a glove to it, preventing a certain boundary. The batters get a single. The umpire gives it runs but the replay shows that there was no connection with the bat or glove.
FOUR! Nandre Burger goes full and outside off. Rohit Sharma likes the width on offer as he slashes hard at it. The ball nicks the edge but it is enough to fly over the fielder at slip towards third man. The ball meets the fence for four more runs. 40 needed to win.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 35/0
Y Jaiswal24 (21)
R Sharma6 (9)
K Rabada3-0-20-0
On the hard length angling in onto the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal is rapped on the pads as the ball rolls away on the off side.
A bit full, outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal might have mistimed this and sends it to the fielder at mid on.
Swing and miss! Kagiso Rabada is sticking with the length delivery outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal swings hard but misses on the connection. Good intent from Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Slow and on a good length over middle. Rohit Sharma tries to tuck it down but gets an inside edge onto his pads and takes a single. Kagiso Rabada appeals but it is turned down by the umpire.
A bit short and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it to deep point. He gives the strike back to Sharma with a single.
Fuller and on the off pole. Rohit Sharma edges it to point for a single.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 32/0
Y Jaiswal23 (17)
R Sharma4 (7)
N Burger2-0-15-0
Beaten! Nandre Burger delivers it on a very good length and outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to cut it away but misses out on the connection. India are on the right track here.
On the hard length around middle. Rohit Sharma pulls it to mid-wicket for a single to get to the other end.
FIVE WIDES! Oh No! That is bad! Nandre Burger bangs it short but it is way over Rohit Sharma! He misses the pull shot but the ball is out of the keeper's reach as well. The ball runs to the fence for bonus runs.
On length around off. Rohit Sharma blocks it with a straight bat back to the bowler.
Nandre Burger tempts Rohit Sharma with a short ball right in his reach. Rohit Sharma tries to pull it away but is beaten by the bounce.
Overpitched and on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal drills it wide of mid on for a single.
FOUR! My word! Is this a test match? Yashasvi Jaiswal seems to have forgotten about it as he lifts the length delivery by Nandre Burger over the in-field on the off side. The ball has enough legs to reach the deep point fence for four runs. Great start to the over!
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 21/0
Y Jaiswal18 (14)
R Sharma3 (4)
K Rabada2-0-17-0
A bit fuller but forcing Jaiswal to play the shot outside off. Yashasvi Jaiswal cuts it to deep point for a single.
A replica of the previous ball. This time Yashasvi Jaiswal doesn't find the gap and cuts it to the fielder at point.
FOUR! More runs for Yashasvi Jaiswal! Kagiso Rabada picks the hard length and angles it away from off. Yashasvi Jaiswal says thank you for the width and cuts it with power in the gap through point. The ball meets the fence for four runs.
On a very good length cramping Yashasvi Jaiswal for room. Jaiswal punches it back to the left of Kagiso Rabada.
Keeps the same length but bowls it over middle. Rohit Sharma is cramped for room but he manages to block it on the leg side and runs one.
On the hard length outside off. Rabada is tempting Rohit Sharma to play the shot far from his reach which might result in a wicket but Sharma lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 15/0
Y Jaiswal13 (10)
R Sharma2 (2)
N Burger1-0-4-0
Delivers it on a very good length angling on the pads. Yashasvi Jaiswal is hit on the thigh pads as the ball rolls away on the pitch. Another good over for India and they are inching closer to the target.
Full again in line with off. Yashasvi Jaiswal blocks it sensibly. Good batting from the young lad.
FOUR! Nicely played! Nandre Burger goes full and straight on the stumps. Yashasvi Jaiswal is happy to drive it with superb timing through the gap at covers. The ball meets the fence for four more runs. India now need just 64 runs to win.
Another short ball in line with the body. Yashasvi Jaiswal backs out of his shot at the last moment and moves out of the way.
Beaten! Nandre Burger picks the good length to pitch this one and keeps it around off. Yashasvi Jaiswal wants to get on top of it but he misses his pull shot. Making his intentions clear is Yashasvi Jaiswal.
On length in line with the off pole. Yashasvi Jaiswal punches it to the fielder at point but he is getting his timing right.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Nandre Burger.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 11/0
R Sharma2 (2)
Y Jaiswal9 (4)
K Rabada1-0-11-0
In the air...but it will land safely. Rohit Sharma sends a ball delivered to him on length over the fielder at covers. The ball doesn't reach the fence but he will run two runs. A good confident start to the Indian innings.
OUCH! That must have hurt Rohit Sharma! Kagiso Rabada delivers it on length and over middle. Rohit Sharma comes down the track to play at it but the ball bounces high and hits him on the ribs.
Back of a length and around leg this time, Yashasvi Jaiswal tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
FOUR! Good intent! Kagiso Rabada bowls it on a very good length around the off stump, Yashasvi Jaiswal plays it late and runs it through the gap at point all the way for four runs.
Just short of the fielder! Kagiso Rabada bowls a scrambled seam short ball around off. Yashasvi Jaiswal tries to cut it but gets an edge. The ball lands just short of the fielder at slips and he survives.
FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal trying to be the aggressor from his first ball! He has his intentions clear as he pulls a short ball away through the deep square leg region for four runs. He will want to bat till the end and gain some confidence.
Commentary
We are back for the chase! Dean Elgar walks out for the final time before his retirement and he receives a Guard of Honor from his teammates. South African players spread out and take their respective field positions now. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are the two openers for India. Kagiso Rabada to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... FOURTH INNINGS ...
India commenced Day 2 on a fiery note, bowling with precision and intensity. Jasprit Bumrah stood out as the star bowler, securing a six-wicket haul by swiftly dismantling the Proteas' middle order within the first hour of play. Mukesh Kumar did pretty well supporting Bumrah from the other end. However, the momentum shifted as Aiden Markram's bat unleashed a flurry of runs, exposing a lapse in India's execution of hitting the hard lengths. Markram being dropped by KL Rahul when he was on 73 put a lot of extra runs on the board for the Indians to chase and he was looking strong when Mohammed Siraj provided the key breakthrough by dismissing the centurion. Prasidh Krishna then contributed effectively, claiming crucial wickets towards the end. An exciting climax awaits at Newlands as India will come out to bat chasing 79 runs in the second session coming to you shortly. Join us at 4.10 pm IST (10.40 am GMT) in what will mostly be the last session of this Test.
The Proteas faced early setbacks as wickets fell consistently around Aiden Markram at the start of the day. However, Markram's exceptional innings, where he played aggressively to notch up a century, injected vitality into the Proteas' performance. Kagiso Rabada played a good knock by surviving the Indian pace attack but after Aiden Markram was dismissed, he too was sent back. A resilient lower-order stand towards the end propelled the Proteas to a lead of 78 runs. This provides them with a cushion to punch at as they head to the final innings with the ball. The match hangs in the balance, and it will be up to the bowlers to try and do what the Indian bowlers did in the first Session of Day 1.
The third inning concludes as the Proteas are bundled up for 176 runs, setting India a target of 79 runs with three more days of play ahead. The stage is now set for a compelling chase. We will have the Lunch break a couple of minutes early and after the break, India will begin their run chase.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! That is it and India have managed to keep their target under the three-figure mark. Jasprit Bumrah finishes things off with his sixth wicket in the inning. He serves this one full again and on middle, angles in, Lungi Ngidi looks to play at it but the ball nips away late and takes the outside edge and flies towards third slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal takes another good catch. South Africa have been bowled out for 176!
Pitches this one up and on off, Nandre Burger pushes it through covers for another run. Can India keep the target under 100 here?
Jasprit Bumrah pulls his length back this time, on off, nips away a bit, Nandre Burger tries to cut it close from his body but misses.
A bit fuller and on middle, Lungi Ngidi clips it through square leg for a single. South Africa leads by 77 runs now!
Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length and around middle, shaping in, Lungi Ngidi looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads here.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 174/9
N Burger5 (18)
L Ngidi7 (7)
M Siraj9-3-31-1
Goes fuller this time, on off, Nandre Burger strides out and drives it straight to short covers.
A bouncer now, angling into the leg, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Good effort! Mohammed Siraj pitches it up and on middle, Lungi Ngidi shows the full face of the bat and drives it past the bowler as Mukesh Kumar chases after it and dives forward to push it back inside. Three runs taken.
Jaffa! Mohammed Siraj sticks to the good length around off. Lungi Ngidi tries to play it with a straight bat but misreads the line and the ball misses the top of off stump by a whisker.
On a very good length around off. Lungi Ngidi swings his blade but doesn't find the connection.
Straight and full on the off pole. Lungi Ngidi flicks it away off his bat foot through mid-wicket to run a brace. Also gets a loud applause from the crowd.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 169/9
N Burger5 (16)
L Ngidi2 (3)
P Krishna4-1-27-1
Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger blocks it out with a straight bat down the pitch.
FOUR! A bit streaky but South Africa won't mind! Prasidh Krishna bangs this one short and outside off, Nandre Burger gets the opportunity to free his arms and slashes at it and gets an outside edge over the keeper's head for a boundary.
On a length and on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger knocks it back to the bowler.
Prasidh Krishna serves this one very full and around off, shaping away, Nandre Burger goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a length and around off, Lungi Ngidi stays back and guides it through backward point for a single.
Follows the batter well here! Prasidh Krishna sees the batter back away a bit and bangs this one short of a length and on leg, angling in, Lungi Ngidi gets hurried but manages to sway away from the ball and does well to keep his bat away as well.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 164/9
N Burger1 (12)
L Ngidi1 (1)
M Siraj8-3-26-1
An appeal for bat-pad, but turned down! This is on a good length and down the leg, Nandre Burger once again looks to flick but misses as the ball loops up off his thigh pads to short leg who grabs it and appeals. The umpire says no.
Pitched up and on leg again, Nandre Burger misses his flick and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.
Mohammed Siraj goes a bit fuller and around leg, Nandre Burger tries to work it away but misses due to the movement away and gets hit high on the pads.
BEATEN! Mohammed Siraj lands this one on a hard length and around off, angling away this time, Nandre Burger hops up and has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Siraj gives a firm stare to Burger to show some aggression.
Another bouncer but Siraj loses his line a bit and ends up serving it down the leg side, Nandre Burger makes an easy leave. The umpire says one for the over.
Mohammed Siraj starts th over with a sharp bouncer around middle, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 164/9
N Burger1 (6)
L Ngidi1 (1)
P Krishna3-1-22-1
A full toss now, on off, Nandre Burger opens the face of his bat and steers it through point for a single.
Overpitched and around off, Nandre Burger drills it towards mid off.
Extra bounce again as Prasidh Krishna delivers it on a length outside off. Nandre Burger has no clue how to play that one.
JAFFA! Prasidh Krishna sticks to the good length and keeps this one around off. Nandre Burger shuffles away trying to create room but is beaten on the outside edge.
On the hard length just outside off. Lungi Ngidi opens up his arms and runs it down to deep point. He gets off the mark with a single which also is very valuable at this stage.
OUT! TAKEN! Kagiso Rabada cannot survive any longer! Prasidh Krishna bowls it on a very good length outside off. Kagiso Rabada wants to be the aggressive player suddenly and he tries to slap it with power. However, he gets the connection off the toe end of his bat and it is a very simple catch for the skipper, Rohit Sharma at mid off. One wicket to finish the innings and South Africa are leading by 64 runs. Lungi Ngidi will be the final batter in.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 162/8
N Burger0 (2)
K Rabada2 (11)
M Siraj7-2-26-1
Short again over leg. Nandre Burger gets on his back foot and blocks it on the leg side. Mohammed Siraj will heave a sigh of relief as he gets the big fish in his over. Could Rohit Sharma have given him a few more overs at the start?
On the hard length, outside off, Nandre Burger guides the ball to point.
OUT! IN THE AIR...AND TAKEN THIS TIME! Mohammed Siraj gets the massive wicket for India and the visitors take a huge sigh of relief here. Siraj hits the hard length this time and around off, Aiden Markram backs away to go for the pull but the ball gets big on him and he miscues it miles up in the air towards mid off where the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma runs forward and settles under it to take a very important catch. He bangs the ball on the ground to vent his frustration. Lead is 64 as South Africa's last hope fades away. Nandre Burger is next to join Rabada.
FOUR! Powered away! Mohammed Siraj serves this one full and around middle, and Aiden Markram backs away a bit and drills it down the ground, there is a fielder in the deep but Markaram generates so much power on that, it races to the long on fence for a boundary.
Back of a length and outside off, Aiden Markram punches it towards sweeper covers for no run.
This is on a hard length and around off, shaping in, Aiden Markram stays back and stabs it towards the short cover region as Siraj himself moves to his left to collect it.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 158/7
K Rabada2 (11)
A Markram102 (99)
P Krishna2-1-20-0
Kagiso Rabada is getting loud applause again and he deserves it. He has blocked a full ball on the stumps to survive a whole over. Aiden Markram will be back on strike in the next one.
On the hard length over middle. Kagiso Rabada is cramped for room but he manages to push it away on the off side. He survives another ball.
Beamer. Pitched short, just outside off, Kagiso Rabada ducks and lets this go past to the keeper.
A fraction full this time, around middle and leg, Kagiso Rabada stays at the crease and wrists it to mid on.
On a length, outside off, Kagiso Rabada taps it to mid off on the front foot.
That's a great ball to start the over. Pitches this on the hard length, angling away from the left-hander, around off, Kagiso Rabada gets beaten on the outside edge as he tries to poke at it.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 158/7
A Markram102 (99)
K Rabada2 (5)
J Bumrah13-0-59-5
FOUR! HUNDRED FOR MARKRAM! This one is on a good length and around off, Aiden Markram waits for it and opens the face of his bat to guide it through backward point for another boundary. Markram shows his bat in defensive style and Sanjay Manjrekar (on air) feels that he is dedicating his century to Dean Elgar. Virat Kohli is seen having a quiet word of perhaps appreciation with Markram. This is a stunning knock given the challenging conditions and how the other batters have struggled. The lead is 60 runs and if it crosses 100, the Indian team will start to worry - they will be already ruing the dropped catch by KL Rahul when Aiden was on 73. The crowd is loving every bit of this action, at last, after seeing all the struggle of the batters, this knock is quite refreshing.
FOUR! Aiden Markram finds the fence this time! Jasprit Bumrah goes short of a length and outside off with no protection in the deep, Aiden Markram stands tall and cuts it towards the vacant deep point fence for a boundary.
BEATEN! Three dots in a row now, a rarity given how Aiden has been batting of late! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this one just back of a length and on the sixth stump line, rising onto the batter, Aiden Markram gets a bit surprised by the extra bounce and the ball flashes past the outside edge to the keeper.
Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away, Aiden Markram steers it towards deep point but refuses the run again. Another dot!
Pulls his length back a bit now, on off, Aiden Markram clips it towards deep mid-wicket but denies the run.
Fuller one and around off, Kagiso Rabada pushes it through covers for a single and the crowd cheers as 150 is up for South Africa and more importantly Aiden Markram is back on strike.
Runs Scored 20 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 149/7
A Markram94 (94)
K Rabada1 (4)
P Krishna1-0-20-0
FOUR! It just gets worse for Prasidh Krishna. A fuller delivery, around leg, Aiden Markram shuffles across and flicks it comfortably through mid-wicket for another boundary. Aiden Markram racks up 20 off the over getting the Proteas lead to 50 runs.
SIX! Aiden Markram is making a mockery of the pitch now. Prasidh Krishna pitches this one a touch fuller, around middle and off, Aiden Markram waits and muscles it over long on for another maximum. With that shot Aiden Markram now moves to the 90s!
Back of a length again, outside off, Aiden Markram misses the cut towards point as the ball hits the bottom edge and drops down on the pitch.
SIX! That's huge. Prasidh Krishna seems to have missed his length again, bowling it short, pitching it hard into the deck, around leg, Aiden Markram waits for the ball and pulls it handsomely over square leg for a biggie.
FOUR! That's not off the centre of the bat this time but Proteas will take it all. Prasidh Krishna serves this short, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram swivels across and pulls it off the inner half of the bat along the ground past the square leg for a boundary. How expensive will the dropped catch prove to be?
Starts off pitching it on the good length, on the stumps, Aiden Markram blocks it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 129/7
K Rabada1 (4)
A Markram74 (88)
J Bumrah12-0-50-5
Half an appeal! On a length, angling in and straightening to hit the pad. A light appeal by the Indians which is turned down by the umpire. It seems to be missing the stumps.
On a length and around off, Aiden Markram stays back and pushes it towards mid off for a single.
BEAUTY! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this one on a hard length and just around off, angles in and then straightens after hitting the deck with steep bounce, Aiden Markram gets squared up as he looks to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.
DROPPED! Oh..we have seen it all! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this short of a length and outside off, Aiden Markram slashes hard at it but gets an outside edge behind where KL Rahul leaps and gets both gloves on it but spills it out. That was a sitter and could prove to be a costly drop for India! Markram gets a life here, he is on 73 and South Africa's lead is 30!
This is on a hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram goes for the pull but miscues it towards mid on.
Back of a length and around off, Aiden Markram gets behind the line of it and blocks it out well.
Drinks! An eventful first hour dominated by the excellence of Jasprit Bumrah who has picked up all four wickets in this session till now. However, Aiden Markram is standing strong at one end and he is trying to put up a fight and has already registered his half-century, but he will need a lot of support from the other end to help the hosts set up a challenging total. India will hope they can get the remaining three wickets before Lunch and not let the Proteas' lead go past the three-figure mark. Another exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 128/7
K Rabada1 (3)
A Markram73 (83)
M Siraj6-2-22-0
On the good length, around off, Kagiso Rabada offers a solid front foot defence to mid off. Kagiso Rabada gets a loud applause as he blocks the last two balls safely and the crowd knows how important it is.
Fuller, angling into middle and off, Kagiso Rabada does well to block it off from the crease.
Short again, over middle and leg, Aiden Markram pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
FOUR! That's even better by Aiden Markram. Siraj bowls this short, outside off, Aiden Markram rocks back and cuts it square on the off side. Jadeja chases across to his left in the deep and puts in a slide but the ball slips from his hands and deflects away to the fence.
FOUR! Markram taking on the attack now. Mohammed Siraj serves this one fuller again, at middle and leg, Aiden Markram takes away his front foot and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. Aiden Markram is the lone wolf for South Africa right now and he is doing his best to put forth a good enough lead over India.
Siraj starts off bowling this fuller, on the leg stump line, Aiden Markram walks down the ground and flicks it past mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Mohammed Siraj comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 117/7
A Markram62 (79)
K Rabada1 (1)
J Bumrah11-0-49-5
A bit short outside off. Aiden Markram cuts it to deep point to end the over with a single.
FOUR! Sweet timing! On the good length on middle. Aiden Markram hits his straight with sublime timing. The ball is in the gap and it races away to the fence for another boundary off his bat.
On the hard length around off. Aiden Markram is surprised by the excessive bounce and he gets the leading edge sending the ball to third man. He turns down the single.
Full again, on the off pole. Kagiso Rabada flicks it away to square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Kagiso Rabada is the next man in.
OUT! TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah gets his 9th fifer in Test cricket! He bowls it a bit full and outside off. Keshav Maharaj tries to drive it on the off side but the ball ricochets off the edge to the fielder, Shreyas Iyer, at gully. He takes a very low catch and Keshav Maharaj will have to walk back as well. Very uncharacteristic from Maharaj who has the ability to hold one end. His expertise was needed with Markram trying his best to put vital runs on the board. South Africa are leading by just 13 runs and have only 3 wickets in the bank.
Beaten! Jasprit Bumrah bowls it on a length and he gets the ball to seam away just outside off. Keshav Maharaj tries to block it but is beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 111/6
A Markram57 (76)
K Maharaj3 (2)
M Kumar10-2-56-2
FOUR! That's a beautiful shot. Mukesh Kumar drops his length short, pitched hard into the deck, around leg stump line, Aiden Markram rocks back and pulls it firmly over mid-wicket for a boundary. The lead is now 13 runs. Markram has now individually crossed the first innings total of the Proteas.
On a length, shaping in a bit, around the fifth stump line, Aiden Markram shoulders arms at this one.
Fuller, on the off stump line, Keshav Maharaj leans forward and drives it past mid off for three runs.
A fraction short, outside off, Aiden Markram waits for it on the back foot and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Similar delivery, just a touch closer to the off stump though. Aiden Markram judges the line well and shoulders arms.
On the good length, outside off, Aiden Markram prods forward and lets it go through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 103/6
K Maharaj0 (1)
A Markram52 (71)
J Bumrah10-0-43-4
On the good length on middle. Keshav Maharaj blocks it well in front of the stumps.
Keshav Maharaj comes out to the middle now.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Brilliant from Jasprit Bumrah! He bowls it a bit full and straight on the stumps. The ball just stuck on the pitch before coming onto Marco Jansen's bat. He ends up driving it hard and uppishly back to Jasprit Bumrah who takes a brilliant catch on his follow-through around his midriff. Jansen is shell-shocked as he exits. Jasprit Bumrah gets his fourth and he has been in top form since the start of Day 2. South Africa are effectively 5 for 6.
FOUR! In the air over the fielder! Jasprit Bumrah sticks to the good length outside off. Marco Jansen stretches his hands and the ball deflects off his edge. Luckily for him, the ball flies over the fielder at gully all the way running to the fence for four runs.
Jaffa! Jasprit Bumrah bowls it quick and on length outside off. Marco Jansen tries to punch it but is beaten on the outside edge.
Short now over off. Marco Jansen edges it to deep point and hurries away to run a couple of runs. South Africa are in the lead now and India will have to bat again.
Fuller and on the off pole. Marco Jansen covers the line and blocks it towards point.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 97/5
A Markram52 (71)
M Jansen5 (4)
M Kumar9-2-48-2
On the good length, outside the off stump, Aiden Markram watches the ball go past to the keeper.
On the good length around off. Aiden Markram blocks it on the off side standing back in his crease.
On a very good length on the stumps. Aiden Markram blocks it on front of the stumps.
FOUR! Sweet timing and FIFTY up for Aiden Markram! Mukesh Kumar bowls it a touch fuller around off. Aiden Markram drives it with sweet timing through the gap at covers. The ball runs away to the fence for four runs to achieve his milestone.
A touch fuller, outside off this time, Aiden Markram drives it past gully and gets a couple of runs.
That one shot up off the bounce. A great delivery by Mukesh Kumar. Pitched on a length, around the off stump line, Aiden Markram lets it go on the bounce leaning behind.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 91/5
M Jansen5 (4)
A Markram46 (65)
J Bumrah9-0-37-3
FOUR! Good Shot! Jasprit Bumrah bowls it on a length and just outside the off stump. Marco Jansen leans into this and drives it through the gap at point. The ball races away to the fence for four runs to end the over. South Africa trails by under 10 runs now!
On a very good length around off. Marco Jansen blocks it from his crease as the ball rolls away on the on side.
Fuller now straight on the stumps. Marco Jansen brings his bat down in time to block it out safely.
Sticking to the same length around off. Aiden Markram drives it through covers to run one.
On length swinging back in on to the pads. Marco Jansen is hit on the side of the knee region as the ball rolls away to square leg for a single.
Marco Jansen walks out to bat now.
OUT! TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah gets another one as he drops this one short and over off. Kyle Verreynne tries to pull it away but the ball doesn't bounce as expected. The ball sails high in the air and Mohammed Siraj settles under it stationed at mid on to take a very simple catch. Kyle Verreynne walks back to the hut and South Africa trails by 13 runs.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 85/4
A Markram45 (64)
K Verreynne9 (6)
M Kumar8-2-42-2
A touch fuller and swinging back in around off. Aiden Markram leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
Short now, over off. Aiden Markram blocks it off his back foot.
On the hard length around off. Aiden Markram punches it away for an easy couple of runs.
FOUR! Flicked away nicely! Shorter and over leg now by Mukesh Kumar. Aiden Markram flicks it off the back foot and the bill is placed very fine. Jasprit Bumrah cannot stop it from reaching the fence and Markram gets four runs. Oh No! It is called a No Ball as well for overstepping.
Jaffa! Mukesh Kumar sticks to the good length and keeps it outside the off stump. Aiden Markram tries to drive it but is beaten on the connection.
On a very good length around off with a hint of in-swing. Aiden Markram shoulders arms and lets it carry to the keeper.
On a length outside off. Kyle Verreynne pushes it away to deep point for a single to begin the over.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 77/4
A Markram39 (58)
K Verreynne8 (5)
J Bumrah8-0-31-2
A loud appeal for LBW, but it is turned down! Jasprit Bumrah bowls it on the hard length nipping back in on to the pads. Aiden Markram misses his flick and is rapped on the pads. India opts against the review.
On the hard length around middle. Kyle Verreynne nudges it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Dropped short outside off. Aiden Markram rides the bounce and he cuts it to deep point. It will fetch him a single.
On a very good length outside off. Aiden Markram decides to leave it and he shoulders arms.
Fuller now, this time angling onto off. Aiden Markram defends it solidly off his front foot.
On length outside off. Aiden Markram drives it to the fielder at point.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 75/4
K Verreynne7 (4)
A Markram38 (53)
M Kumar7-2-34-2
Short over off. Kyle Verreynne pulls it but doesn't get the connection right. The ball lands safely near the deep square leg region as the batters run a brace.
FOUR! Off the edge! Mukesh Kumar sticks to the hard length around off. Kyle Verreynne attempts to play it away from the line and gets a fortunate inside edge. The ball rolls away to the fine leg fence for valuable four runs.
Fuller around off. Aiden Markram drives it through point for another run.
On length around middle. Kyle Verreynne works it through square leg for a single.
Halt! It looks like Mukesh Kumar is not happy with his landing area as there is a bit of a hole there. The ground staff is called into action to flatten that area with the hammer. Ravindra Jadeja has taken matters into his own hands and he is hammering that area now. We are good to continue...
Fuller now and just swinging back in around off. Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms but the ball has just missed the off stump by a whisker. A collective sigh by the Indian team is enough to suggest how close it was to the stump.
Short and over off. Aiden Markram gets on top of the bounce and cuts it over point to get to the other end with a single.
Kyle Verreynne is the next man in. Also, Mukesh Kumar to share the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 66/4
D Bedingham11 (12)
A Markram36 (51)
J Bumrah7-0-29-2
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah gets the first wicket of Day 2. He bowls a sensational delivery on length just around the fifth stump. David Bedingham tries to drive it on the off side but the ball moves away from him and nicks the outside edge of his blade. KL Rahul takes a textbook catch behind the stumps and David Bedingham has to walk back. South Africa trail by 32 runs.
A bit short over middle. David Bedingham glances it to square leg gently.
JAFFA! Jasprit Bumrah bowls on the hard length and the ball just moves away after hitting the deck. David Bedingham wanted to defend it but the ball moves past his outside edge.
Good stop by Shreyas Iyer! Bumrah bowls it a touch fuller and outside off. David Bedingham edges it to gully where Iyer dives to his left to stop it.
FOUR! Off the edge! Jasprit Bumrah drops it short over off. David Bedingham wants to pull it away but he gets the top edge sending the ball over the fielders at slip. The ball runs away to the fence for four runs.
Jasprit Bumrah starts off the proceedings with a good-length delivery with a hint of movement outside off. David Bedingham shoulders arms.
We are all set to begin Day 2! The players are already out in the middle with a sense of excitement around the ground. David Bedingham and Aiden Markram to resume the batting for South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah to bowl the first over for India. Let's play...
Jasprit Bumrah is up for a quick chat. He says that cricket is always a surprising game but it was fun for the bowlers as it turned out to be an action-packed Day 1. He adds that they have a lot of belief in their bowling lineup and the new bowlers were instructed to be disciplined with their lines and lengths. He mentions that one end provided more seam movement for the bowlers while the other end wasn't providing a lot for the bowlers. He says that this ground holds a special place in his heart because he made his Test debut here.
PITCH REPORT - Shaun Pollock and Sunil Gavaskar are pitchside. Pollock says that no team would want a pitch like this one where everything is happening of a length. He further says this isn't a 55-run pitch for sure but isn't a 300-run pitch as well. Gavaskar tells that these kinds of wickets are dangerous for the batters because of the uncertain bounce that is generated due to the uneven covering of the grass. Pollock then mentions that the patches of grass around the cracks are a problem making this wicket uneven. He suggests that Day 2 will be the end of this Test match although the heavy roller used will help a bit at the start but won't last long.
The Proteas, overwhelmed by the prowess of the Indian pacers, find themselves in a precarious situation after losing those three wickets. The setback has put the hosts on the back foot, prompting a desperate need to reverse fortunes on Day 2. Aiden Markram, unbeaten with 36 runs, holds the key for the hosts. Markram's promising start needs to be converted into a substantial inning to propel the Proteas into a commanding position and potentially shift the momentum in their favour. Will the partnership between Markram and Bedingham flourish and help the hosts post a formidable total on the board? Or will India ramp through the middle order again and seal the deal? Stay tuned to find out as Session 1 of Day 2 is set to unfold in a bit.
India, sent into bowl first, blew away the Proteas batting lineup for just 55 runs in the first innings, with Mohammed Siraj's outstanding six-fer leading the charge. Despite solid contributions from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill with the bat, India suffered an unexpected collapse, losing six wickets in 11 balls without adding any runs. India will be slightly happier at the end of Day 1 with the 3 wickets that they claimed in the third innings before the end of play with the hosts lagging by 36 more runs to level scores.
Hello and welcome back to Day 2 of the exhilarating final Test match between India and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Day 1 unfolded as an extraordinary spectacle, treating spectators to a whirlwind of action with a total of 23 wickets and the rare occurrence of 3 innings in a single Day. Day 2 holds the promise of being the pivotal 'Moving Day' of this Test match, given the dramatic twists and turns witnessed so far in the game.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that is it from this enthralling Day 1 of this 2nd Test where it was a mixed bag for both India and South Africa and this game is nicely poised at the moment. The hosts will look to go past the Indian lead and then set up a good target while the Asian giants will want to make early inroads and stop the Proteas from doing that. Day 2 will begin on 4th January, Thursday at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT), but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
India started off positively after Lunch even after losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looked solid and did not miss out on putting the loose deliveries. The skipper survived a few close calls, but both fell quickly just before Tea while Shreyas Iyer made a duck. Virat Kohli was in fine touch and he too scored runs freely and along with KL Rahul built up a decent partnership that helped the visitors to a lead of 98 runs with six wickets in hand but quite extraordinarily, India lost all six wickets for zero runs. Kagiso Rabada was brilliant with the ball as usual and initially found support from Nandre Burger who got three important scalps but Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi were a bit inconsistent. However, after Tea, Ngidi turned the heat up and bowled a triple-wicket maiden, which completely changed things around, while Rabada also finished with three wickets.
After winning the toss, Dean Elgar elected to bat first on this tough surface and the Indian pacers proved that decision to be a wrong one as they exploited the conditions brilliantly and gave the Proteas a bit of their own medicine. Aiden Markram was the first to fall while Elgar also could not make much impact in the first innings of his last Test. None of the batters were able to stick around for long and they were bowled out for a mere total of 55 with Kyle Verreynne being the top scorer with 15 runs which says all about their batting. Mohammed Siraj was the star of the show with the ball registering his best career figures of 6 for 15 in his 9 overs with three maidens while Jasprit Bumrah supported well with a couple and Mukesh Kumar wrapped things up with a couple more. Believe it or not, this was the story of the first session.
What a sensational day of Test cricket! A total of 23 wickets fell which equals the record for most wickets falling on Day 1 in Test cricket in South Africa. It all started with the lowest-ever total registered by any team against India in Tests. Then we saw something even more bizarre when India went from 153-4 to 153 all out. In the end, the Proteas came out to bat once again with positive intent and Aiden Markram looked solid for his unbeaten 36, while Dean Elgar made 12 runs in his final inning, bidding adieu to Test cricket. South Africa still trail by 36 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 62/3
A Markram36 (51)
D Bedingham7 (6)
M Kumar6-2-25-2
Pulls his length back and bowls it on the off-stump line, Aiden Markram stands tall and dabs it confidently towards point. That brings an end to an entertaining day of Test cricket and that will be STUMPS on Day 1!
FOUR! Quality shot! On a length, around off, Aiden Markram leans into his shot and creams the drive to the left of cover for four more runs.
FOUR! Easy pickings for Aiden Markram! Full and down the leg side, Aiden Markram lets the ball come to him and gets inside the line to tickle it fine towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Length delivery, on off, Aiden Markram defends it solidly on the off side.
NO BALL! Back of a length, on middle and leg, David Bedingham works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Mukesh Kumar has overstepped yet again!
Pitches it right up, outside off, David Bedingham gets a good stride in and drives it sweetly through covers. Ravindra Jadeja gives it a chase and cuts it off. Two runs taken.
Applause from the Newlands crowd as 50 comes up for South Africa! Back of a length, around off, Aiden Markram opens his bat face and dabs it wide of point for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 49/3
D Bedingham4 (4)
A Markram27 (46)
J Bumrah6-0-25-1
Shaping into the batter, on a good length, on middle, David Bedingham plants his foot forward and defends it out.
Edged...but short! Bumrah bowls it on the off-stump line, on a back of a length, David Bedingham shows the full face of the bat to defend it out but gets a thickish outside edge. Thankfully for Bedingham and South Africa, the ball drops between the second and third slip and in front of the two fielders.
Back of a length, on middle and leg, David Bedingham stays back in his crease and tucks it in front of mid-wicket.
FOUR! David Bedingham is up and running! Bumrah looks to go full and bowls it outside off, not much movement, David Bedingham gets on the front foot and drives it to the right of mid off for a boundary.
David Bedingham makes his way out to the centre.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That is an absolute snorter from Jasprit Bumrah! Tristan Stubbs could not have done anything about that as this was unplayable. This is on a hard length and just around off, angles in and then straightens and takes off viciously, Tristan Stubbs gets drawn forward to defend but the movement away and the steep bounce takes the shoulder of the bat and goes behind where KL Rahul pouches it safely. South Africa three down now and that is wicket number 23 for the Day!
Peach of a delivery that! Jasprit Bumrah pitches this one fuller, just around the off stump line, making Tristan Stubbs play at it. Stubbs looks to play it straight and gets a thick outside edge that falls short of third slip.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 45/2
T Stubbs1 (12)
A Markram27 (46)
M Kumar5-2-12-2
Back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets behind the line and dabs it in front of cover-point for a quick single.
That has kept very low! On a good length, around off, Tristan Stubbs prods forward to defend but the ball does not rise at all and scoots under his bat. KL Rahul does well to get his body behind the ball and makes a good stop.
A massive shout for LBW but turned down! Rohit Sharma is worried about the height but Virat Kohli convinces him to take the review! Serves it on a good length, on middle, Tristan Stubbs gets half-forward to block this one out on the off side but the ball jags back in sharply to hit him near the knee roll on the front pad. Nothing on UltraEdge but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be going over the stumps. India lose their review!
Back of a length, on middle, Tristan Stubbs stays back in his crease and keeps it out down the wicket.
Beaten! Presents an upright seam and delivers it in the channel on off, on a good length, it looked like Tristan Stubbs was looking down as Kumar came in to bowl. Luckily for him, he plays inside the line of the ball as it goes past the outside edge.
Gets the ball to nip back into the right-hander, on a length, on middle, Tristan Stubbs gets his bat out in front of the front pad and taps it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 44/2
A Markram27 (46)
T Stubbs0 (6)
J Bumrah5-0-21-0
A bit too straight by Bumrah, on a good length but on the pads, Aiden Markram closes the bat face and tucks it to the right of Prasidh Krishna at mid-wicket. Tristan Stubbs wants a single but Markram sends him back.
Hurls it on a good length, on the sixth stump line, Aiden Markram picks the line early and shoulders arms to the delivery.
Zoning in at the stumps from over the wicket, on a length, the ball keeps a bit low but Aiden Markram does well to get his bat down and stabs it down on the off side.
At 133 clicks, on a back of a length, on middle, Aiden Markram hangs on the back foot and pats it towards mid on.
On a length, on off, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and defends it right under his eyeline.
Goes full does Jasprit Bumrah, on middle, Aiden Markram stays balanced on the crease and clips it between mid-wicket and mid on for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 42/2
T Stubbs0 (6)
A Markram25 (40)
M Kumar4-2-11-2
Fuller this time, around off, Tristan Stubbs prods forward and taps it towards mid off. End of a successful over from Mukesh Kumar!
On the good length, into the stumps, stays a bit low after pitching, Tristan Stubbs gets his bat down in time as the ball gets the toe end of the bat and floats over the stumps back to KL Rahul.
On the hard length, into the stumps, Tristan Stubbs offers a solid front foot defence.
NO BALL! A dab fuller of a length, around middle and off, Tristan Stubbs taps it to mid-wicket on the front foot. Mukesh Kumar has overstepped again.
Fuller, into the stumps this time, Tristan Stubbs works it to mid off.
On the good length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs starts off with a leave as the ball goes through to the keeper.
Tristan Stubbs comes out to the middle now.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mukesh Kumar strikes yet again for India! South Africa lose another and it is Tony de Zorzi who departs cheaply in the second innings as well. Kumar persists with the around the wicket angle for the left-hander and slants this one back in on the off-stump line, on a good length, Tony de Zorzi is forced to play at it due to the angle and the line of the delivery. He presents a straight bat to see this one out. The ball nips away ever so slightly to catch the outside edge. The ball is dipping in front but KL Rahul does well to get down low and gets his gloves under the ball to complete the catch.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 41/1
A Markram25 (40)
de Zorzi1 (6)
J Bumrah4-0-19-0
Continues to angle the ball back into the right-hander, on off, Aiden Markram presses forward and defends it out solidly down the wicket.
On a hard length, on off, Tony de Zorzi waits back in his crease to tap it on the off side but gets rushed and gets an inside edge that rolls in front of square leg for a single.
Steams in from around the wicket for the left-hander and zones it in at the stumps, on a length, Tony de Zorzi defends it out with a straight bat.
Back of a length again, on off, Aiden Markram gets on his toes and punches it all along the ground to deep point for a single.
Slanting in again, on a length, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and pushes it towards mid off.
Angling into the right-hander, on a back of a length, on off, Aiden Markram stays back in his crease to keep this one out but gets an outside edge that races past gully for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 37/1
de Zorzi0 (4)
A Markram22 (36)
M Kumar3-2-10-1
A slight miscommunication between the batters, but no damage done. Mukesh Kumar bowls this one fuller into the stumps, Tony de Zorzi flicks it to mid on. Aiden Markram sets off for the run but is sent back in time.
On a length, around middle and off, Tony de Zorzi taps it on the back foot.
A fraction fuller this time, on the off stump line, Tony de Zorzi stays solid and offers a front foot defence to cover.
On the good length, into the stumps, Tony de Zorzi blocks it out to the leg side.
Tony de Zorzi walks out to bat number 3.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Mukesh Kumar breaks through for India! Bowls it from around the wicket and from wide of the crease, angles it into the left-hander, on a good length, outside off, Dean Elgar pokes at the delivery away from his body and pays the price. Gets an outside edge that goes straight to Virat Kohli at first slip who snaffles it with both hands. The Indian players get around Dean Elgar to congratulate him as he walks back after playing his final Test inning! Elgar raises his bat and acknowledges the support from the crowd on his way back to the dressing room.
What a delivery! Mukesh Kumar bowls this one a length, shaping away from the left-hander and shoots off the deck, Dean Elgar tries to cover the line and play it straight but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 37/0
A Markram22 (36)
D Elgar12 (26)
M Siraj5-2-11-0
Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Aiden Markram knocks it along the ground to mid off.
Hurls it on a length again, on off, Aiden Markram lunges and stabs it towards cover.
On a length, angling in, on middle, Aiden Markram tucks it off the front foot to mid-wicket.
FOUR! Excellent shot! Siraj offers width outside off this time, on a back of a length, Aiden Markram picks up the length early and punches it sweetly through covers for a boundary.
And again! Siraj angles it into the right-hander, on a good length, around off, Aiden Markram is forced to play at the delivery due to the angle but the ball nips away slightly again to beat Markram on the outside edge.
Beauty! Bowls it with a scrambled seam, on a length, angling in, on off, Aiden Markram leans on to defend but the ball holds its line to zip past the outside edge.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 33/0
D Elgar12 (26)
A Markram18 (30)
M Kumar2-1-10-0
FOUR! Easily done! Mukesh Kumar serves it on a short of a length, outside off, Dean Elgar stands tall and punches it crisply through covers for a boundary.
On the hard length, around the channel of off, Aiden Markram rocks back and defends it to gully.
Leg bye! Bowls it on a back of a length, nipping back in, on middle, Aiden Markram hops to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball lobs off his pads in front of point for a leg bye.
That's a Jaffa! On a good length, around off stump line, angling in sharply after hitting the deck, Aiden Markram is cut into half as the ball goes past the top of middle stump.
FOUR! That's a beautiful shot. Mukesh Kumar serves this fuller, outside off, Aiden Markram leans forward and drives it perfectly past covers for a boundary.
NO BALL! Back of a length, on the pads, Dean Elgar hops and tucks it to deep fine leg for a single. Mukesh Kumar has overstepped here.
On the hard length, around the line of off, Dean Elgar blocks it on the front foot.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 22/0
A Markram14 (27)
D Elgar7 (22)
M Siraj4-2-7-0
This is bowled on a back of a length, on off, Aiden Markram presents the full face of his bat and blocks it down the wicket.
Delivers it on a hard length, top of off, Aiden Markram does well not to push hard at the delivery and gets it off the outer half of the bat towards gully.
Sliding onto the pads, on a good length, Aiden Markram nudges it without much timing to mid on.
Good running! Length delivery angled across, on off, Dean Elgar waits on the back foot and drops it with soft hands in front of cover for a quick single.
Serves it on a good length, on the sixth stump line, a bit of inward movement, Aiden Markram presses forward to defend but gets it off the outer half of the bat in front of cover for a single.
At 135 clicks, on a back of a length, outside off, Dean Elgar stays in his crease and dabs it with an open bat face to deep point for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 19/0
A Markram13 (23)
D Elgar5 (20)
M Kumar1-1-0-0
Back of a length, on the leg stump line, Aiden Markram taps it to mid-wicket on the back foot.
A fraction fuller, outside off, Aiden Markram lets this one go past to the keeper.
Another big shout for LBW but turned down again! Virat Kohli and KL Rahul look convinced and Rohit Sharma takes the review. Kumar hurls it with an upright seam from over the wicket, on a good length, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram gets on his toes to play at this one but the ball jags back in sharply to ping him on the back leg. Nothing on UltraEdge and it is umpire's call on Ball Tracking as it is clipping the leg-stump. The on-field decision is upheld and India keep their review!
Fuller in length, around off, Aiden Markram prods forward and pats it towards cover.
On the hard length, outside off, Aiden Markram shoulders arms.
Great start to the over. Mukesh Kumar pitches this on a good length, swinging it into the right-hander. Aiden Markram gets cramped for room and misses the line of the ball completely. The ball hits him high on the thigh pad.
Mukesh Kumar comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 19/0
D Elgar5 (20)
A Markram13 (17)
M Siraj3-2-4-0
Bends his back and bangs it in short, over middle, Dean Elgar ducks to let the ball pass.
Back of a length, on off, Dean Elgar gets right behind the line to defend it out.
This one keeps low! Around off, on a back of a length, the ball does not rise much, Dean Elgar negotiates the low bounce as he gets his bat down to block it out on the off side.
An absolute snorter! Siraj hits the deck hard and bowls it on off, Dean Elgar looks to get on top of the bounce as he hops but the ball tacks off from the length and zips past the outside edge. Elgar did well to get his gloves out of the way there and KL Rahul looks to be in some discomfort as he fails to pouch it cleanly.
Serves it on a back of a length again, on off, Dean Elgar hangs back in his crease and steers it towards gully.
Gets the ball to angle away from the left-hander, on a back of a length, on off, Dean Elgar looks to defend it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge that drops well in front of gully.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 19/0
A Markram13 (17)
D Elgar5 (14)
J Bumrah3-0-15-0
Back of a length, around off, Aiden Markram waits back in his crease and dabs it on the off side.
Sharp delivery! Short of a length, on off and middle, Aiden Markram gets taken by surprise as the ball gets big on him but he adjusts well to keep it down on the off side.
Shortens his length now and hurls it on off, Aiden Markram stands tall and punches it along the ground through covers for a couple of runs.
A loud shout for LBW but turned down! Shaping back into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle, Aiden Markram gets caught in his crease as he looks to keep this one out. The ball jags back in to cut him in half and hits him above the knee roll on the back leg. Jasprit Bumrah looks interested but there is not much support from behind the stumps.
On the middle-stump line, on a hard length, Aiden Markram lets the ball come to him and blocks it down the wicket.
Angling into the right-hander, on a back of a length, on middle, Aiden Markram defends it right under his eyeline.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 17/0
D Elgar5 (14)
A Markram11 (11)
M Siraj2-1-4-0
FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length, around off, Dean Elgar gets on his toes nice and early and rides the bounce. Angles his bat face perfectly to guide it wide of backward point for a boundary.
Length delivery, on middle, Dean Elgar gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Oh...that has taken off! Bowls it on a good length, on off, the ball rises off the deck sharply, Dean Elgar looks to get on the front foot but gets taken aback by the steep bounce. Cops a blow on the gloves but does well to fend it down on the off side.
Full and targetting the pads, Dean Elgar rolls his wrists and clips well but straight to mid-wicket.
Slightly fuller this time, in the channel on off, Dean Elgar is happy to leave the ball alone again.
Angling across the left-hander, on a good length, on off, Dean Elgar lifts his bat and lets it through to the keeper.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 13/0
A Markram11 (11)
D Elgar1 (8)
J Bumrah2-0-13-0
A bit too straight by Bumrah, on a back of a length, on the pads, Aiden Markram hangs back and tucks it towards wide mid on. Prasidh Krishna dives to his right but fails to cut it off as the batters run two.
Fuller this time, on off, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and knocks it with a straight bat to mid off.
Angling in, on a length, on off, Aiden Markram gets his bat down and stabs it towards backward point.
FOUR! Short and punished! Bumrah bowls it short and offers width outside off, Aiden Markram gets on top of the bounce and punches it through covers for a lovely boundary. Jasprit Bumrah has overstepped and the umpire signals a No Ball!
Drop and run! Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, on middle, Dean Elgar hops in his crease and jams it down at his feet. The ball rolls beside the pitch on the off side and the batters scamper across for a single.
Touch fuller and on middle, shaping away, Dean Elgar blocks it down the pitch.
On a length and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it wide of short covers for a quick single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 4/0
D Elgar0 (6)
A Markram4 (6)
M Siraj1-1-0-0
Back of a length and on off, Dean Elgar pats it down to mid on.
Angling in, on a back of a length, on middle, Dean Elgar takes his bottom hand off and stabs it on the leg side.
A fraction fuller, outside off, Dean Elgar tries to cut it square on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the keeper.
On a length and on off, Dean Elgar steers it towards cover-point.
Goes fuller this time, on middle, Dean Elgar drives it firmly down the pitch where Mohammed Siraj gets a hand to it to make a half-stop.
Mohammed Siraj begins with a good-length delivery, around off, angling away, Dean Elgar leaves it alone.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be the star of the first innings, Mohammed Siraj.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 4/0
A Markram4 (6)
D Elgar0 (0)
J Bumrah1-0-4-0
Beaten! Back of a length, angling in, on off, Aiden Markram hangs back in his crease to defend it out but the ball nips slightly to beat him on the outside edge.
Bowls it on a length, angling in, on off, the ball keeps a bit low but Aiden Markram adjusts well to keep it out.
FOUR! Shot of authority! Jasprit Bumrah serves it a bit too full, on off, Aiden Markram crouches and gets underneath the delivery. Presents a high elbow and lofts it over cover for a boundary.
Back of a length, on off, Aiden Markram hangs back and punches it without much timing towards cover.
Gets the ball to shape away slightly, on a length, outside off, Aiden Markram presses forward and lifts the bat to let the ball pass.
Starts from over the wicket and hurls it on a full length, sliding on the pads, there to be clipped away, Aiden Markram clips it neatly but can't get it past mid-wicket.
Commentary
We are back again for South Africa's second innings on Day 1 itself! The players are already out in the middle now. Dean Elgar walks out to bat for one last time for the Proteas in Test cricket along with Aiden Markram. Jasprit Bumrah to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
After being bowled out for just 55, South Africa needed early breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada did provide it by getting rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal but they allowed Gill and Rohit Sharma to build up a partnership which helped India get past the Proteas total. Gill and Sharma fell in quick succession while Shreyas Iyer failed to make much impact as well. It was then the stand between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul that steadied things and they were looking well set to take a decent lead but that collapse meant they were stopped in their tracks and had to settle for lead of 98 runs.
We have seen something really extraordinary here! India lost their last six wickets for absolutely no runs and they have been bowled out for 153 runs here with a lead of 98 runs which seems to be a massive one on this wicket. South Africa looked a bit under pressure after Tea as the visitors were scoring runs comfortably, but that KL Rahul dismissal forced a massive collapse for them. Thanks to some early contributions from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and a crucial knock of 46 from Virat Kohli have given the visitors a bit of breathing space in this Test.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Kagiso Rabada finishes things off! India have been bowled out for 153! Kagiso Rabada bowls it in the channel on off, on a full length, Prasidh Krishna fiddles at the delivery away from his body and gets an outside edge that travels at a good height behind the stumps. Aiden Markram, at second slip, dives low to his left and pouches it without much fuss. The crowd cannot believe what they have seen as India lose their last 6 wickets without scoring a run.
OUT! RUN OUT! Utter chaos! This dismissal just about sums up what has happened in the last couple of overs! Rabada serves it on a length, on off, Prasidh Krishna looks to drive it through the off side but does not move his feet much. Mishits the shot towards mid on and Mohammed Siraj sets off for the single. Nandre Burger, at straightish short mid-wicket, moves across to his left and picks it up cleanly. Siraj is halfway through his run and it is too late for him to return. Burger runs towards the stumps and as he sees Siraj turning back towards the bowling end, he releases an underarm throw and hits the stumps at that end to catch the Indian pacer well short of his crease. There was never a run and it was a brain-fade moment for Mohammed Siraj. India's lead remains where it was at the fall of the 5th wicket.
Serves it full and outside off, Prasidh Krishna drives away from his body without much conviction as the ball rolls towards point.
Prasidh Krishna comes out to the middle now.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Kagiso Rabada strikes now! He gets the big fish, Virat Kohli and it's a mega collapse for the visitors. India are falling like nine pins here. Kagiso Rabada lands this one on a good length and in the corridor of uncertainty, the ball nips away a bit, Virat Kohli tries to push at it without much footwork and gets a thick outside edge towards the second slip fielder where Aiden Markram takes a sharp low catch in front of him. The third umpire wants to check if that is clean or not. The replays show that it is a fair catch and Kohli, who was asked to wait near the boundary line, can go and take a shower.
Fuller one and around off, shaping away, Virat Kohli goes for the big drive through the line but misses it completely.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 153/7
M Siraj0 (1)
V Kohli46 (57)
L Ngidi6-1-30-3
Just short of a length, around middle and off, Mohammed Siraj blocks it on the bounce with a straight bat. What an over this has been, a triple-wicket maiden!
The star with the ball for India, Mohammed Siraj makes his way out to the centre.
OUT! TAKEN! THREE IN THE OVER! This is something extraordinary happening at Cape Town. It is the same combination once again for South Africa. Lungi Ngidi lands this one on a hard length again and around off, angles in with extra bounce once more. Jasprit Bumrah stays back to fend at it but it takes the shoulder of the bat and loops towards gully where Marco Jansen this time leaps and pouches it safely. Lungi Ngidi, who started looking like the weak link in this South African bowling attack, has suddenly woken up from his slumber and his triple strike has given South Africa a semblance of chance. Mind you, India still have a very handy 98-run lead.
On the hard length, around middle and off, angling into the batter, Jasprit Bumrah covers the line well and blocks it out.
Jasprit Bumrah is the new man in for India.
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Lungi Ngidi with the double whammy here! Ravindra Jadeja goes back to the hut for a duck. This one is on a hard length and around middle, angling away with some steep bounce again, Ravindra Jadeja stays back and looks to work it across the line but closes the face of his bat a bit too early and fails to ride the bounce. The ball loops off the gloves in front of gully where once again the tall Marco Jansen dives forward to take another brilliant catch. India have lost the plot completely here!
Back of a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja hops back and taps it down to point.
Ravindra Jadeja comes out to bat now.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Lungi Ngidi strikes now! A loose shot from KL Rahul has cost him his wicket here. Ngidi lands this one short of a length and outside off, gets a bit of an extra bounce as well, KL Rahul backs away and looks to cut it over point but only manages to nick it behind. Kyle Verreynne makes no mistake. India lose half their side now!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 153/4
Rahul8 (32)
V Kohli46 (57)
K Rabada11-2-38-1
Short again from Rabada, on middle, KL Rahul pulls it again but there is protection in the deep and the ball rolls to deep square leg. They cross.
On a length and around off, KL Rahul steers it wide of point.
Kagiso Rabada bangs this one short and on middle, KL Rahul gets into a good position quickly and hammers it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length again and on off, keeps a bit low, KL Rahul looks to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Rabada is asking whether it is pad first or not but they decide to opt against the review.
This is on a good length and on off, KL Rahul gets surprised by the extra bounce and bunts it towards point.
Fuller one and on middle, shaping in, KL Rahul works it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 148/4
V Kohli46 (57)
Rahul3 (26)
L Ngidi5-0-30-0
Fuller this time, around middle and off, Virat Kohli wrists it to mid-wicket on the front foot.
A touch shorter, around the middle and leg stump line, KL Rahul tucks it to deep square leg and gets another single.
Easy singles being taken here. Lungi Ngidi pitches this on a length, around the off stump line, Virat Kohli taps it to mid-wicket and gets another single.
Short of a length, angling into the right-hander, KL Rahul works it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Fuller, on the stumps, Virat Kohli flicks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
On the hard length, nagging in a bit from the line of off, Virat Kohli tries to block it straight but misses and gets hit on the back thigh pad.
Lungi Ngidi (4-0-26-0) is back for a burst. He has been expensive so far. Can he redeem himself in this session?
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 144/4
Rahul1 (24)
V Kohli44 (53)
K Rabada10-2-33-1
Full again and around off, KL Rahul keeps it out to the off side.
Goes fuller this time, on off, KL Rahul steers it towards gully.
Back of a length and on middle, Virat Kohli works it towards mid-wicket for one.
FIVE WIDES! Kagiso Rabada goes for the bouncer now, but this one takes off of the surface and goes over the batter and the keeper leaps up and gets a glove to it but it still races to the fence for a boundary.
Fine stop! This is on a good length and on off, shaping away, Virat Kohli strides out to block but get an outside edge which falls well short of second slip where the fielder dives to his right to make an excellent one-handed stop.
Pulls his length back a bit but sticks with the same line, Virat Kohli offers no shot at it.
Kagiso Rabada serves this a bit fuller and on the fifth stump line, Virat Kohli leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 138/4
V Kohli43 (49)
Rahul1 (22)
M Jansen9-2-29-0
On a length and on leg, Virat Kohli tucks it towards mid-wicket for one more.
KL Rahul is finally underway! Marco Jansen bangs this one into the pitch and around leg, KL Rahul swivels and hooks it towards fine leg for one.
Short of a length and on off, KL Rahul punches it towards cover-point.
Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul hops up and stabs it down to short covers.
Length again and on middle, KL Rahul gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
On a length and down the leg side, KL Rahul misses his glance as the ball goes off his pads wide of fine leg. Two leg byes taken. KL Rahul is yet to get off the mark and has faced 18 balls.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 134/4
V Kohli42 (48)
Rahul0 (17)
K Rabada9-2-27-1
Fullish delivery, on off, Virat Kohli knocks it towards mid off.
Kagiso Rabada bowls this one on a good length but down the leg side this time, Virat Kohli misses his flick.
This is on a hard length and around off, Virat Kohli guides it off the outer half of the bat through backward point as Tristan Stubbs chases after it and dives forward well to flick it back inside. Two runs taken!
Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli stays back and blocks it out.
Length again and on leg, Virat Kohli nudges it through backward square leg for a couple of runs.
Good leave! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and just around off, nips back in sharply, Virat Kohli trusts the pitch and leaves it as the ball goes over the off pole and the keeper collects it moving to his left.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 130/4
Rahul0 (17)
V Kohli38 (42)
M Jansen8-2-27-0
Pitched up and on off, KL Rahul keeps it out to the off side.
Marco Jansen bangs in a good bouncer now, around off, angling in, KL Rahul stays back and tries to upper cut it but misses.
Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, KL Rahul blocks it out solidly.
Short of a length and outside off, KL Rahul offers no shot at it this time around.
Absolute beauty! Marco Jansen lands this on a good length and around off, jags back in sharply with good bounce, KL Rahul prods forward to block but gets beaten on the outside edge as the keeper collects it near his chest.
Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul dabs it towards point. Jansen has overstepped by a big margin here, No Ball called.
Fuller one and on off, KL Rahul lunges and taps it towards short covers.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 129/4
V Kohli38 (42)
Rahul0 (10)
K Rabada8-2-23-1
FOUR! Classy from Kohli! Kagiso Rabada overpitches this one around off, Virat Kohli takes a big stride out to get his front foot near the ball and places his drive beautifully through covers for another boundary.
This is on a good length and on off, nips back in this time, Virat Kohli prods forward but decides to let it go to the keeper.
Back of a length and in that channel outside off, Virat Kohli leaves it alone.
A bti fuller and on middle, Virat Kohli blocks it down the pitch.
SIX! SHOT! Kagiso Rabada bangs this one short and around middle, Virat Kohli picks up the length early and swivels and pulls it towards the deep square leg fence and the timing is so good that it bounces directly onto the boundary cushion. The replays confirms the same and it is a maximum.
In the air...safe! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a back of a length and on off, rises up again, Virat Kohli looks to work it away but closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge which falls well in front of point.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 119/4
Rahul0 (10)
V Kohli28 (36)
M Jansen7-2-26-0
Goes a bit fuller and around off, shaping in sharply, KL Rahul strides forward and lets it go to the keeper.
This is on a hard length and on off, KL Rahul stabs it off the outer half of the bat towards gully.
Touch fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli works it through square leg for a single.
Short of a length and on middle, Virat Kohli hops to negotiate the steep bounce and fends it down to the leg side.
FOUR! Uppish but safe! Marco Jansen serves this a touch fuller and around off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive but the extra bounce means he loses his bottom hand and slices it in the air as the ball goes well past point and to the fence for a boundary.
Marco Jansen begins with a good-length delivery, on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli blocks it off the sticker of the bat down the pitch.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Marco Jansen.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 114/4
Rahul0 (8)
V Kohli23 (32)
K Rabada7-2-13-1
Goes fuller but well outside off, KL Rahul offers no shot at it.
Short of a length and on middle, angling in and rises onto the batter, Virat Kohli does well to clip it towards square leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and around off, Virat Kohli strides out but leaves it alone.
Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, Virat Kohli lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.
On a length and on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Kagiso Rabada starts with a hard-length delivery around off, Virat Kohli hops up and pats it down to short covers.
All in readiness for the third session to commence! The two umpires walk out to the centre as do Dean Elgar and the South African players. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are all set to resume their innings for India. It will be Kagiso Rabada to get us underway with the ball in this session. Let's play...
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
On the flip side, the Proteas found themselves erring in their lines and lengths at the onset of the innings, conceding a lot of freebies to the Indian batters. Kagiso Rabada showcased his prowess with the ball, accompanied by Nandre Burger who made a significant impact by claiming three crucial wickets just before the stroke of Tea, disrupting India's momentum. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen failed to make the desired impact with the ball. Nevertheless, Burger's last spell with the ball injected a renewed sense of belief into the Proteas camp, offering them the momentum they needed to potentially turn the tides in their favour. Will the Proteas further dent the strong Indian batting line-up, or will India steer through the difficult phase and build a big total? Let's wait and find out as the final session of the Day comes to you shortly. Join us at 6.30 pm IST (1 pm GMT) to see things unfold.
In a dream-like beginning to the first innings with the ball, India seamlessly transitioned their dominance, delivering powerful blows to the Proteas with the bat. Rohit Sharma was the standout performer, whose aggressive approach and clear intent were evident as he confidently knocked 39 off just 50 balls. The young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to make an impact, departing early. Shubman Gill joined forces with the skipper, and together, they navigated through the Proteas' pace attack. Virat Kohli then seamlessly resumed from where he left off in the previous game and fearlessly took on the Proteas' bowling. Shreyas Iyer was the last one to be dismissed as KL Rahul along with Kohli saw it out till Tea.
That's the end of the second session as Tea is called on Day 1 of this Test match. India, carrying forward the intensity from the first innings, found themselves in a position of command before the quick succession of wickets took them aback right before Tea. The scoreboard reflects a small sense of assurance as they stand at 111 for the loss of 4 wickets with a lead of 56 runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 111/4
Rahul0 (7)
V Kohli20 (27)
M Jansen6-2-21-0
Back of a length, on off, KL Rahul hangs back in his crease and rides on top of the bounce to steer it towards gully. That will be TEA on Day 1!
Ouch, that must have hurt! Jansen bowls it on hard length from over the wicket, over middle, the ball shoots sharply off the deck and catches the batter by surprise. KL Rahul tries to sway away but the ball gets big on him to hit him near the chest.
Bangs it in short but down leg, KL Rahul comfortably ducks underneath to let the ball pass.
Leg bye! On a back of a length, at the hips, Virat Kohli looks to clip it away but misses out as the ball rolls off his thigh pad and rolls away to backward square leg for a leg bye.
Virat Kohli survives a close shout! Marco Jansen comes in from around the wicket and bowls it on middle, on a good length, Virat Kohli is batting out of his crease and he presses forward to clip it away. The ball nips back in to beat him on the inside edge and pings him on the front pad. A confident appeal for LBW but turned down. Dean Elgar and the keeper have a chat with Marco Jansen and South Africa decide to take the review. Nothing on UltraEdge but it is the umpire's call on Ball Tracking as it is clipping the leg stump.
Slanting back into the right-hander, on a back of a length, around off, Virat Kohli gets his bat out of the way and covers his off stump to leave the ball.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 110/4
Rahul0 (4)
V Kohli20 (24)
N Burger8-2-42-3
At 143 clicks, on a length, on middle, KL Rahul covers the line of the ball and defends it out solidly towards cover. End of a successful over from Nandre Burger!
Continues to target the stumps, on a good length, KL Rahul opens the bat face and steers it nicely towards backward point.
Another length delivery, on off, KL Rahul pushes it from the crease towards cover.
On a length, on the pads, KL Rahul reaches out with his bat out in front and stabs it on the leg side.
KL Rahul walks out to bat now.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Nandre Burger strikes yet again and screams in joy! South Africa are fighting back! Burger continues from over the wicket and pulls his length back ever so slightly, landing it around middle and off, Shreyas Iyer stays back in his crease and makes the mistake of fiddling at the delivery. He gets a faint edge on it as the ball nips away slightly and Kyle Verreynne, behind the stumps, makes absolutely no mistake. Shreyas Iyer departs for a duck and India lose their fourth wicket! This place is buzzing and what a Test match it's turning out to be already. The lead for India is 55 runs.
Serves it on a length, on middle, Shreyas Iyer gets behind the line of the delivery and dabs it on the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 110/3
V Kohli20 (24)
S Iyer0 (0)
M Jansen5-1-21-0
In the channel on off, on a length, Virat Kohli shoulders arms to let the ball pass.
FOUR! Flayed away! Marco Jansen bangs it in short, outside off, Virat Kohli gets the width he needs and frees his arms to slap it up and over backward point for a boundary.
There's that steep bounce again! Jansen slants this one towards the batter, on a length, on off, Virat Kohli is a bit unsure about the length and looks to leave it alone. The ball climbs up to rap him on the gloves. It takes a glancing blow of the glove and eventually rolls off the bat towards the slip cordon.
NO BALL! A bit too wide outside off, on a good length, Virat Kohli is happy to leave the ball alone. Marco Jansen has overstepped!
Angling into the right-hander, on a length, at the stumps, Virat Kohli manages to keep this one out on the off side.
On a good length, outside off, left alone by Virat Kohli.
Beaten! Comes in from around the wicket and bowls it on a short of a length, on off, Virat Kohli does well to play inside the line of the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Shreyas Iyer is the next man in.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 105/3
S Gill36 (55)
V Kohli16 (17)
N Burger7-1-42-2
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Nandre Burger gets his man! A loose shot by Shubman Gill which leads to his downfall! Burger bowls it on a short of a length and gets the ball to angle away from the right-hander, outside off, Shubman Gill stays in his crease and pushes away from the body tentatively. Gill also fails to counter the steep bounce and gets a thickish outside that is snaffled sharply by Marco Jansen at gully to his left.
A loud shout for LBW but turned down! Targets the stumps this time, on a good length from over the wicket, Shubman Gill gets caught in his crease as he looks to defend this one out. Gill gets rushed to get hit on the front pad. Kyle Verreynne indicates that the ball is going over the stumps and South Africa do not take the review!
Hurls it on a good length, on middle, Shubman Gill blocks it out comfortably down the wicket.
A bit of extra bounce on this occasion, on a good length, on off, Shubman Gill gets a bit taken aback by the extra bounce but adjusts well to keep it out by taking his bottom hand off the bat.
At the stumps, on a length, Shubman Gill gets on the front foot and defends it out to mid off.
FOUR! A bit too short and Shubman Gill jumps all over it! Burger bowls it short without much pace, over middle, Shubman Gill stands tall and nails the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 101/2
S Gill32 (49)
V Kohli16 (17)
L Ngidi4-0-26-0
Delivers it on a back of a length, on off, Shubman Gill pats it in the vacant cover region for a single.
Misfield! On a length, on middle, Shubman Gill steps out and drives it towards mid on where Kagiso Rabada fumbles and concedes a couple of runs.
Full and honing in at the stumps, Shubman Gill knocks it down to mid on where Kagiso Rabada gets low to make the stop. While doing so, his knee stuck gets in the excess dust in that region.
This is bowled on a back of a length, on off, Shubman Gill stabs it down off the back foot on the off side.
Serves it on a fullish length, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill stays balanced in his crease and clips it off his toes through square leg. David Bedingham gives it a chase and keeps it to two. Gill is insistent on the third run but Kohli says no.
Gets the ball to nip back into the right-hander, on a back of a length, on off, Shubman Gill gets right behind the line and taps it to mid on.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 96/2
V Kohli16 (17)
S Gill27 (43)
N Burger6-1-38-1
A bit too straight, back of a length, down leg, Virat Kohli gets inside the line to tickle it fine but misses out.
Bends his back but bangs it in way too short, at the batter, Virat Kohli is not bothered by it as he ducks underneath the delivery.
And again! Serves it on a back of a length, just outside off, Virat Kohli looks to keep this one out from the crease but the ball rises and angles away to zip past the bat.
On a hard length, a bit of extra bounce, on middle, Virat Kohli hangs back and fends it down comfortably towards gully.
Beaten! Lands it on a good length, on off from over the wicket, Virat Kohli gets drawn forward to defend but the ball shoots off the deck and zips past the outside edge. The ball climbs up and carries through to Kyle Verreynne over his head.
Slips in a quick bouncer, at the left shoulder of the batter, Virat Kohli swivels initially to hook it away but aborts his shot at the last moment and drops his wrists to let the ball pass.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 96/2
S Gill27 (43)
V Kohli16 (11)
L Ngidi3-0-21-0
A fraction fuller of a length, around the channel of off, Shubman Gill drives it to mid off on the front foot.
On a length, outside off, angling in a bit, Shubman Gill lets this one go past to the keeper.
Fuller this time, on the fourth stump line, Shubman Gill leans forward and drives it past covers for two runs.
On the good length, outside off, Shubman Gill shoulders arms.
Overpitched a touch, around the off stump line, Shubman Gill prods and drives it to covers.
On the hard length, outside off, the ball kicks off the surface a touch, Shubman Gill tries to play it across the line as the ball hits the top part of the blade.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 94/2
S Gill25 (37)
V Kohli16 (11)
N Burger5-0-38-1
Serves it on a hard length, top of off, Shubman Gill plays it right under his eyes and dabs it along the ground to deep point to retain the strike with a single.
Bowls it on a length, on middle, Virat Kohli firms the drive down the wicket where Nandre Burger fails to get any hand on the ball as it goes on to hit the stumps. The ball deflects away to mid-wicket, allowing the batters cross for a single.
Serves it on a length now, on off, Virat Kohli gets a good stride in and knocks it firmly to mid off.
Tries to go short again does Nandre Burger, on middle, Virat Kohli gets this one at a good height and swivels in the crease to pull it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.
Bends his back and bangs in a bumper, over middle, Virat Kohli ducks underneath and lets it go through to the keeper.
At 145 clicks, on a hard length, around off, Virat Kohli reads the line of the ball well and shoulders arms.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 90/2
S Gill24 (36)
V Kohli13 (6)
M Jansen4-1-16-0
FOUR! Short and punished! Marco Jansen drops the length, around the middle and leg stump line, Shubman Gill swivels across and pulls it along the ground past square leg for a boundary.
On a length, around off, Shubman Gill stays leg side of the ball and stabs it on the off side.
Fuller of a length, around off, Shubman Gill tries to block it straight but gets a thick outside edge that falls just short of gully.
Back of a length, around top of off, Virat Kohli taps it down to deep backward square leg and gets one.
FOUR! Glorious shot from Virat Kohli. Marco Jansen dishes it fuller, outside off, Virat Kohli leans forward and drives it with the full face of the bat past covers for a boundary.
Fuller and on the off stump line, Shubman Gill digs it out to deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 80/2
V Kohli8 (4)
S Gill19 (32)
N Burger4-0-34-1
FOUR! Nothing lucky about this one! Burger continues to pitch the ball right up, on off, Virat Kohli gets all his weight on the front foot and drives it with a straight back to the right of mid off for four more runs.
EDGED AND FOUR! Fortuitous for Virat Kohli! Burger hurls it full and outside off, there to be put away, Virat Kohli goes chasing at a delivery which he should not chase. Luckily for him, he gets an outside edge that flies between second slip and gully for a boundary.
On a length, on off, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and defends it out on the off side.
Targets the stumps, on a good length, Virat Kohli defends it right under his eyeline as he dead-bats it back to the bowler. Nandre Burger picks it up in his follow through and looks to have a shy at the batting end before he lets out a stare directed towards Virat Kohli.
The maestro, Virat Kohli comes out to the middle now.
OUT! TAKEN! Nandre Burger roars in delight as he gets rid of the dangerous-looking Rohit Sharma! Indian skipper walks back in disappointment! Burger bowls it on a hard length, on off, the ball rises off the deck and Rohit Sharma fails to counter the steep bounce. Gets this one off the shoulder of the bat and lobs low towards gully. The tall Marco Jansen is equal to the task as he gets down low to his left and completes the catch. A much-needed breakthrough for South Africa!
Back of a length, angling across, outside off, Shubman Gill gets on his toes and dabs it with an angled bat wide of point for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 71/1
R Sharma39 (49)
S Gill18 (31)
M Jansen3-1-6-0
Back of a length, on middle, Rohit Sharma hops and rides on top of the bounce to stab it down on the leg side.
Fuller again, outside off, Rohit Sharma drives it with soft hands to covers.
On the hard length, seaming in from the line of off, Rohit Sharma judges the bounce well and lets it go through to the keeper.
Fuller and around the off stump line, Rohit Sharma offers a solid front foot defence.
A fraction fuller this time, outside off, Rohit Sharma leans forward and drives it to covers.
On the good length, around the off stump line, Rohit Sharma defends it on the front foot.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 71/1
S Gill18 (31)
R Sharma39 (43)
N Burger3-0-25-0
Much fuller this time, closer to the off-stump, Shubman Gill presses forward and makes a good leave.
Gets the ball to angle away from the right-hander, on a good length, outside off, Shubman Gill lifts his bat and lets the ball through.
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.
Overpitched by Burger again, on off, Shubman Gill drives it crisply but straight to mid off.
More like it from Nandre Burger! Serves it on a good length, around off, a bit of away movement, Shubman Gill looks to keep this one out with a straight bat but the ball nips away to whiz past the outside edge. There was a noise but it was the bat hitting the front pad and a wise decision by South Africa not to take the review.
FOUR! Easy pickings! Nandre Burger comes in from over the wicket and serves it full and wide outside off, Shubman Gill latches onto the width as lunges and cracks the drive through covers for a boundary.
Drinks break! This has been a strong start with the bat from India as they currently lead by 12 runs. Rohit Sharma has led the way with his intentful strokeplay while Shubman Gill has looked solid as well. These two will look to press on the advantage against this Proteas pace attack which has lacked discipline so far. Kagiso Rabada has kept runs in check from his end but lack of support from the other end has not allowed South Africa to build any pressure. It will be Nandre Burger to bowl after the break.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 67/1
R Sharma39 (43)
S Gill14 (25)
M Jansen2-0-6-0
Good length, just around the channel of off, Rohit Sharma taps it to backward point.
Fuller and on the stumps, Shubman Gill drives it to covers and gets to the other end.
FOUR! Top shot by Shubman Gill. Marco Jansen overpitches this one, outside off, Shubman Gill gets his front foot forward and leans for the drive past covers for a boundary.
On the hard length, outside the leg stump line, Shubman Gill nudges it to mid-wicket.
On the good length, with width outside the off stump, Shubman Gill tries to cut this one late but miscues it. The ball trickles down to the third slip.
A touch shorter, outside the off, Shubman Gill waits for it and cuts it perfectly only to find the fielder at point.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 62/1
S Gill9 (20)
R Sharma39 (42)
K Rabada6-2-10-1
Kagiso Rabada goes for the yorker, but serves this full and on middle, Shubman Gill tucks it away nicely through mid-wicket for a three runs.
Short of a length and on leg, Rohit Sharma looks to work it away but gloves it down to the leg side as the batters sneak in a quick run.
Fuller one and and on off, Rohit Sharma knocks it towards mid on.
Back of a length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Rohit Sharma tries to fend it away but misses and gets hit high on the body.
A huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger! Rohit Sharma takes the review this time. Kagiso Rabada serves this a bit fuller again and on middle, shaping in, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but plays down the wrong line and gets hit on the front pad. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that is going over the leg-stump. A fine review from India and the on-field call is reversed!
Fuller one and on off, Rohit Sharma prods forward and blocks it out.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 58/1
R Sharma38 (37)
S Gill6 (19)
M Jansen1-0-1-0
Back of a length, down leg, Rohit Sharma gets inside the line and helps it down to fine leg for a single.
Just back of a length, drifting down the leg side, Rohit Sharma lets it go past to the keeper.
FOUR BYES! That's gone over everybody! Marco Jansen steams in a bouncer, pitching hard into the deck, the ball shoots off the deck and goes over Rohit Sharma and Kyle Verreynne with the gloves for a four.
A touch fuller and around middle and leg, Rohit Sharma tries to play straight but gets a thick outside edge on the bounce to gully.
On a good length, just around the off stump line, Rohit Sharma defends it on the back foot.
A massive shout for LBW, but turned down! South Africa take the review here. Marco Jansen starts with a good-length delivery, on middle and leg, shaping sharply, Rohit Sharma tries to play at it but misses and gets hit on the pads. Only height can save him here. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that it is going over the stumps. A reprieve for Rohit Sharma and South Africa lose a review!
Time for a change in bowling as Marco Jansen comes on now.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 53/1
S Gill6 (19)
R Sharma37 (31)
K Rabada5-2-6-1
Touch fuller this time and on the sixth stump line, Shubman Gill offers no shot at it.
Back of a length and around leg, Rohit Sharma rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground towards fine leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada bangs in a fiery bouncer now, on middle, Rohit Sharma ducks under it which you do not see very often.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on good length and on middle, nips away sharply, Rohit Sharma looks to defend but gets hit on the fingers as the ball rolls towards point.
Goes fuller but down the leg side this time, Rohit Sharma misses his glance and the keeper collects it moving to his left.
This is on a hard length and around off, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 52/1
S Gill6 (18)
R Sharma36 (26)
N Burger2-0-21-0
Good length, around the off stump line, Shubman Gill defends it to extra cover on the front foot.
Better line this time. Pitched on the hard length, nagging a bit, around middle and off, Shubman Gill prods and blocks it on the front foot.
That's bad bowling by Nandre Burger. Overpitched outside off, Shubman Gill drives it with ease past covers for another couple of runs. Gill gets to 1000 Test runs!
Great effort by Tristan Stubbs to stop that one. Nandre Burger bowls the same delivery, too full and outside off, asking to be hit, Rohit Sharma drives it comfortably past point. Tristan Stubbs chases the ball and throws in a dive to keep the ball within the ropes for three runs.
FOUR! That's another boundary for Rohit Sharma. Nandre Burger serves this one fuller, outside off, Rohit Sharma gets under the ball, opens the face of the bat and drives it solidly past covers for a boundary.
Back of a length, pitched hard into the deck and around the off-stump line, Rohit Sharma defends it back onto the pitch.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 43/1
S Gill4 (15)
R Sharma29 (23)
K Rabada4-2-5-1
Another full delivery, on off, Shubman Gill negotiates it well.
Pitches this one up and on off, Shubman Gill strides out and drives it towards mid off.
On a length and around leg, Shubman Gill pats it down to short mid-wicket.
A bit fuller this time, on middle, shaping away, Shubman Gill adjusts well to the movement and taps it towards short covers.
Back of a length and outside off, Shubman Gill lets it go to the keeper.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on middle, angling in, Shubman Gill gets a bit squared up but manages to block it out to the off side.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 43/1
R Sharma29 (23)
S Gill4 (9)
N Burger1-0-12-0
Back of a length and outside off, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.
FOUR! Rohit Sharma is in an attacking mode here! Nandre Burger pitches this one up again, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma lofts it away with the bottom half of the bat but still generates enough power to send it over and wide of mid on for one more boundary.
Full again and on middle, shaping in, Rohit Sharma stays back and knocks it towards mid on.
Touch fuller and around off, Rohit Sharma pushes it away from his body towards short covers.
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Nandre Burger bangs this one short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Rohit Sharma stands tall and pulls it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.
FOUR! Rohit Sharma greets Nandre Burger with a boundary! Burger starts with a half-volley around off, Rohit Sharma's eyes light up and he caresses it through mid off for a lovely boundary.
Nandre Burger comes into the attack now, replacing Lungi Ngidi.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 31/1
R Sharma17 (17)
S Gill4 (9)
K Rabada3-1-5-1
Overpitched this time and around leg, Rohit Sharma clips it away through mid-wicket nicely for three runs.
Jaffa! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a hard length and on middle, hits the crack and straightens with steep bounce, Rohit Sharma get squared up as he looks to play at it and the ball goes off his gloves and onto his shoulders which saves him or else this could have easily popped up to one of the slips.
Goes fuller this time, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma knocks it towards mid on.
On a length and down the leg side, Rohit Sharma misses his glance as the ball goes off his pads wide of fine leg where Nandre Burger runs to his right and dives to make an excellent stop. Two leg byes taken.
Back of a length and on leg, angling in, Rohit Sharma looks to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the thigh pads.
Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on off, shaping away, Rohit Sharma taps it off the upper half of the bat towards short covers.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 26/1
S Gill4 (9)
R Sharma14 (11)
L Ngidi2-0-19-0
Fullish and on off, Shubman Gill is solid in his defence again.
Back of a length and on off, Shubman Gill keeps it out to the off side.
FOUR! Good shot! Lungi Ngidi continues with the fuller length, on middle, Shubman Gill clips it away with nice timing between mid on and mid-wicket as Nandre Burger chases after it, he dives to flick it back inside but the ball goes away and on the second attempt when he tries to push the ball inside, his foot is touching the ropes. The replay confirms it and it is a boundary. Burger seems to have suffered a minor cut on the ring finger of his left hand and he walks off the field to receive the treatment.
Pulls his length back a bit, outside off, Shubman Gill offers no shot at it. Oh..no! Another No Ball called for overstepping.
Overpitched and on middle, angling in, Shubman Gill defends it on the front foot towards mid off this time.
Full again and on middle, Shubman Gill knocks it wide of mid on where the fielder quickly moves to his left and slides to stop it well. Ngidi struggling with run-up here as it is called another No Ball!
Goes fuller and on middle, Shubman Gill blocks it out as the ball rolls towards short mid-wicket.
Back of a length and around off, Shubman Gill lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 20/1
R Sharma14 (11)
S Gill0 (1)
K Rabada2-1-2-1
Pitched up this time, on middle, Rohit Sharma stays there and blocks it out solidly down the pitch.
Short of a length and well outside off, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.
Full again and around off, shaping away, Rohit Sharma guides it off the outer half of the bat through backward point for a brace.
Goes fuller and on middle, shaping away, Rohit Sharma knocks it down the pitch.
On a length and around leg, Shubman Gill misses his flick as the ball loops off his pads past short leg. A leg bye is taken.
Shubman Gill walks in at number 3 for India.
OUT! DRAGGED ON! Kagiso Rabada draws first blood! Just what South Africa needed at this time. This is back of a length and on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal hops up to try and fend it down with an angled bat but only manages to get a bottom edge back onto the stumps. Rohit Sharma, at the other end, seems very disappointed. India lose an early wicket!
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 17/0
R Sharma12 (7)
Y Jaiswal0 (6)
L Ngidi1-0-13-0
FOUR! Third boundary of the over! Lungi Ngidi goes fuller again and on the pads too, Rohit Sharma flicks it away with excellent timing towards the deep mid-wicket fence for four more runs.
Swing and a miss! Lungi Ngidi lands this short of a length and outside off, Rohit Sharma slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
On a length and on middle, Rohit Sharma blocks it down the pitch.
FOUR! Two in two! Lungi Ngidi serves this full again but around off this time, Rohit Sharma leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for another boundary.
FOUR! First runs of the bat! Lungi Ngidi pitches this one up but on the pads, this is freebie for Rohit Sharma who picks it off and clips it away wide of short leg and towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
BEATEN! Lungi Ngidi lands this on a good length and just around off, nips away a shy bit, Rohit Sharma looks to defend with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball dies down to the keeper as well. It is called a No Ball for overstepping.
Lungi Ngidi begins with a full delivery as well, outside off, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.
It will be Lungi Ngidi to steam in from the other end.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 4/0
Y Jaiswal0 (6)
R Sharma0 (0)
K Rabada1-1-0-0
This is on a good length and around middle, shaping in, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to play at it but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Much better! Kagiso Rabada lands this back of a length and just around off, shaping in a bit, Yashasvi Jaiswal lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper once again.
Continues with his fuller length, way outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal makes an easy leave again.
India are underway with extras! Kagiso Rabada pitches it up but down the leg side, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to glance it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Full again and outside off again, angling away too, Yashasvi Jaiswal offers no shot at it again.
Kagiso Rabada starts with full delivery, outside off, angling further away, Yashasvi Jaiswal lets it go to the keeper.
Commentary
We are back for the second session on Day 1 of this New Year's Test! The sun is shining in its full glory as the two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. It will be Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma to open the innings for India. Kagiso Rabada will start with the red cherry for South Africa. Off we go...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
As the scoreboard suggests, there is not much to write home about South Africa's batting effort. In the first Test at Centurion, they missed more than they nicked but it was the other way around here. Having won the toss in his farewell Test, Dean Elgar would have hoped for his side to take advantage of the good batting conditions. It turned out to be a forgettable batting performance as none of the Protea batters could show any resistance and surrendered themselves against the relentless Indian pace attack. Their top order fell without much on the board which is when David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne got together to forge a recovery. The latter was soon dismissed before Verreynne threw in the towel as he chased at a wide delivery. The tail could not wag much either which meant that South Africa were bowled out in the first session of this New Year's Test. Will South African pacers have the same impact as their counterparts? We shall find out when we return for the second session in a short while.
Having lacked discipline with their lines and lengths in the first Test, India needed to step up with the ball if they were to level the series. The Indian pacers were relentless and they were backed up by the fielders to skittle South Africa out for a paltry total. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone as he got the ball to talk in his first over and his new ball partner, Mohammed Siraj backed it up from the other end. As he did at Centurion, Siraj nipped Aiden Markram in the bud before going on to get the big wicket of Dean Elgar. Jasprit Bumrah got into the act as well to put South Africa in even more strife. Having gotten rid of Elgar, Siraj grew in confidence and simply ran through the Proteas middle order to end up with six wickets. Prasidh Krishna may not have gotten any wickets but he was much more disciplined than he was in the first Test while Mukesh Kumar made an immediate impact to finish with two wickets.
Mohammed Siraj holds the ball aloft as India complete a dominant effort with the ball to bundle South Africa for 55! Now, that is some way to bounce back from an innings defeat in the previous Test! India have absolutely steamrolled South Africa in the first session of this New Year's Test thanks mainly to Siraj's 6 for 15. As far as South Africa are concerned, it has been a dismal batting performance from them and they find themselves behind the eight ball at LUNCH on DAY 1!
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! That is the end of the nightmare for the Proteas! Mukesh Kumar finishes things off for India. He lands this on a good length and around off, shaping away sharply, Kagiso Rabada hangs his bat away to block but only manages to get a thick outside edge towards the fourth slip fielder where Shreyas Iyer tumbles to his right to complete a good catch. South Africa have been bowled out for just 55!
Oh..close! Mukesh Kumar bowls this on a hard length and on off, angles in sharply, Kagiso Rabada leaves it on length and the ball just goes over the off pole.
Lungi Ngidi is the last man in for South Africa. With the Proteas nine wickets down, the first session has been extended by 30 minutes!
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 55/9
N Burger4 (11)
K Rabada5 (11)
J Bumrah8-1-25-2
OUT! TAKEN AT SLIPS! Jasprit Bumrah strikes now and this is another fine catch. This is fuller in length and outside off, Nandre Burger stays in his crease and throws his bat at it without any footwork and the absolutely flies off the outside edge towards the third slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a very sharp catch. South Africa nine down now!
FOUR! A streaky one but the crowd loves it! This is on a good length and around off, shaping away, Nandre Burger strides out to play at it but gets an outside through the vacant backward point region for a boundary.
In the blockhole, on off, angling in, Nandre Burger jams it on the bounce to gully.
Jasprit Bumrah bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Nandre Burger ducks under it.
Full again and on middle, shaping away, Nandre Burger looks to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards gully.
Uppish but safe! This is full and around leg, Kagiso Rabada clips it in the air but wide of mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 50/8
N Burger0 (6)
K Rabada4 (10)
M Kumar2-2-0-1
BEATEN! Mukesh Kumar bowls this one on a good length and on the sixth stump line, no movement this time, Nandre Burger has a poke at it but the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Nandre Burger looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his boots as the ball rolls to the off side.
Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Nandre Burger tries to block it out but misses and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Back of a length and outside off, shaping further away, Nandre Burger leaves it alone.
Touch fuller and on off, shaping away, Nandre Burger tries to play at it but misses it.
On a length and around off, Nandre Burger lets it go to the keeper.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 50/8
K Rabada4 (10)
N Burger0 (0)
J Bumrah7-1-20-1
Brave shot! Jasprit Bumrah goes a bit fuller and on off, Kagiso Rabada backs away a bit and lofts it nicely over mid off for a couple of runs, Rabada sets off for the third but is sent back, and the fielder has a wild throw which goes over the pitch. A huge cheer from the crowd as 50 is up for South Africa!
BEATEN AGAIN! A bit too good from Jasprit Bumrah! He bowls this on a good length again, angles in on middle and nips away after hitting the deck again, Kagiso Rabada has a feel for it but once again gets beaten on the outside edge.
BEAUTY! Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length and on middle, angles in and straightens sharply, Kagiso Rabada tried to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Short of a length and well outside off, Kagiso Rabada this time decides to leave it alone.
Back of a length and just around off, Kagiso Rabada looks to cut it away but misses.
Fuller one and on middle, shaping away, Kagiso Rabada pushes it with a straight bat through mid off for a brace.
Nandre Burger comes out to bat. Also, Jasprit Bumrah (6-1-16-1) is back for a burst to clean up the tail.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 46/8
K Maharaj3 (13)
K Rabada0 (4)
M Kumar1-1-0-1
OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Mukesh Kumar gets a wicket now! He sets up the batter nicely here sticking to his fuller lengths on the previous couple of deliveries. This time he bangs in a quick and sharp short delivery, on middle, Keshav Maharaj is not expecting that but still goes for the pull shot. However, the ball gets big on him and he fails to transfer his weight on the back foot and miscues it off the upper half of the bat towards mid-wicket. Jasprit Bumrah takes a comfortable catch and South Africa are eight down now!
Fuller length once more and around off, Keshav Maharaj drills it wide of cover-point for no run.
Pitched up and on off, shaping in, Keshav Maharaj knocks it towards mid on.
On a length and on off, Keshav Maharaj stabs it towards short covers.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Keshav Maharaj gets behind the line of it and blocks it back to the bowler.
BEAUTY! Mukesh Kumar begins with a full delivery, shaping away sharply, Keshav Maharaj goes for the big booming drive but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper.
A breather for Mohammed Siraj as Mukesh Kumar comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 46/7
K Rabada0 (4)
K Maharaj3 (7)
P Krishna4-1-10-0
BEATEN! Prasidh Krishna lands this on a hard length and just outside off, angling away, Kagiso Rabada has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Touch fuller and around off, Kagiso Rabada pushes it towards short covers.
Short of a length and on middle, Kagiso Rabada stays back and pats it down to short covers.
Back of a length and on middle, shaping in, Keshav Maharaj gets cramped and fends it off the arm-guard to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.
Prasidh Krishna bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, on middle, Keshav Maharaj goes for the pull but gets hurried and takes his eyes off and misses it.
On a length and on middle, angling in, Keshav Maharaj stays back and blocks it down the pitch.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 45/7
K Rabada0 (1)
K Maharaj3 (4)
M Siraj9-3-15-6
An appeal for LBW from Mohammed Siraj alone. Pithed fuller, into the leg stump line, Kagiso Rabada gets hurried up and plays all over it to get hit on the front pad on the full.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to the middle now.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Yes, you are reading the scoreboard correctly! It is 45/7 and Mohammed Siraj has six now in absolutely no time. He serves this full and around off, shaping away, Kyle Verreynne slashes at it away from his body and without any footwork. As a result, he only manages to get a thick outside edge towards second slip where Shubman Gill takes a sharp catch.
FOUR! Great timing on that one from Kyle Verreynne. Mohammed Siraj misses the line and length once and Kyle Verreynne makes full use of it. Siraj serves this fuller, on the leg stump line, Kyle Verreynne takes off his front foot and times it right from the middle of the bat past mid-wicket for a welcome boundary.
On the hard length again, angling into the right-hander, around off, Kyle Verreynne manages to block it off the back foot.
On the hard length, around the line of off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it off the back foot.
A touch fuller, on top of middle and off, Kyle Verreynne tries to work it to the leg side on the bounce but gets a leading edge past gully for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 39/6
K Maharaj3 (4)
K Verreynne9 (25)
P Krishna3-0-10-0
Back of a length and on off, takes off again off the surface, Keshav Maharaj gets surprised by the bounce but manages well to fend it down to the off side.
Short of a length and on middle, Kyle Verreynne pulls it through square leg for a run.
Fuller again and on off, Keshav Maharaj shows the full face of the bat and just knocks it with good timing through the vacant mid off region as Rohit Sharma chases after it to gather it up. Three runs taken.
Touch fuller, on off, shaping in, Keshav Maharaj pushes it towards cover-point.
On a length and around off, Kyle Verreynne dabs it wide of point for a single.
Back of a length and outside off, Kyle Verreynne steers it wide of backward point where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 34/6
K Maharaj0 (1)
K Verreynne7 (22)
M Siraj8-3-9-5
Great ball to end the over for Mohammed Siraj! Pitches this on the good length, on top of off, Keshav Maharaj does well to defend it on the front foot.
Keshav Maharaj walks in at number 8 for South Africa.
OUT! CAUGHT-BEHIND! SIRAJ, YOU BEAUTY! A five-wicket haul inside the first session of a Test is the stuff of dreams and Mohammed Siraj is just living it. He once again lands this one on a good length and in the corridor of uncertainty, this one lands and nips away a shy bit which is enough to catch the outside edge of Marco Jansen who tries to block it from his crease, KL Rahul behind the stumps makes no mistake. South Africa six down and in huge trouble!
On the good length, around off, moving away, Marco Jansen tries to block it straight but gets an outside edge just wide of gully.
Fuller, on the off stump line, Marco Jansen offers a perfect front foot defence.
Marco Jansen makes his way out to the centre now.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj is on fire here in Cape Town! No need to appeal for this one and he gets his fourth wicket. He lands this one on a good length and on off, drawing the batter forward, this one angles in and then straightens after hitting the deck with extra bounce, David Bedingham prods forward to defend but the steep bounce means that the ball goes off his thumb and loops towards third slip where Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a dolly. South Africa lose half their side now!
A half-hearted appeal for LBW! Rohit Sharma doesn't go for the review on this one. A great ball pitched on the hard length, nipping back sharply on off, David Bedingham tries to play it across the line but gets squared up as the ball goes past the outside edge to thud his back pad.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 34/4
K Verreynne7 (22)
D Bedingham12 (15)
P Krishna2-0-5-0
Goes a bit fuller this time, swinging in sharply, Kyle Verreynne stays back and manages to block it out well.
Prasidh Krishna lands this on a hard length and on the sixth stump line, keeps a bit low, Kyle Verreynne looks to cut it away but misses due to the lack of bounce as the ball goes under his bat to the keeper.
Short of a length and outside off, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.
Touch fuller and on middle, shaping in again, Kyle Verreynne fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.
Prasidh Krishna lands this on a good length and on off, shaping in, Kyle Verreynne throws his bat at it without much footwork and gets beaten on the inside edge.
Back of a length and around off, David Bedingham stands tall and punches it through covers for a single. They do not want to take a risk for the second as it is Jadeja who chases after the ball to collect it.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 33/4
D Bedingham11 (14)
K Verreynne7 (17)
M Siraj7-2-9-3
Good length, angling into the thigh pads of David Bedingham who works it off the back foot towards square leg for a single.
Fuller this time, on the off stump line, Kyle Verreynne waits on and opens the face of the bat to drive this one past cover for three runs.
A great delivery by Mohammed Siraj. He hits the hard length, with pace, outside the line of off, nipping away, Kyle Verreynne tries to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Fuller one, around the channel of off, Kyle Verreynne pokes at it and guides the ball on the bounce to gully.
On the hard length, swinging away from the line of off, Kyle Verreynne shoulders arms.
Another huge shout for LBW, and the finger goes up this time! However, Kyle Verreynne takes the review straight away. Mohammed Siraj serves this full and around middle and leg, angling in, Kyle Verreynne looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. This looks like going down the leg side, UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking confirms that it is indeed missing the leg pole. A good review from South Africa!
Drinks! Indian pacers have exploited the conditions brilliantly and they have a firm grip on this game. They will now look to build on that and put the hosts under even more pressure by exposing their lower order before Lunch. South Africa desperately need a partnership here or else this could get away from them in a blink of an eye. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 29/4
K Verreynne4 (12)
D Bedingham10 (13)
P Krishna1-0-4-0
Short of a length by Prasidh Krishna, Kyle Verreynne waits back in his crease and pulls it over mid-wicket. Mohammed Siraj gives the chase and cuts it off. Three runs taken!
Back of a length, outside the line of off, Kyle Verreynne punches it to backward point on the back foot.
Back of a length again by Prasidh Krishna, on leg, Kyle Verreynne moves to the off side to pull it away but swings a bit early. Gets a glove on it as the ball rolls towards the keeper. KL Rahul gets down low to collect but the ball bounces in front to hit him on the unprotected part near the right knee.
At 137 clicks, on a hard length, on middle, Kyle Verreynne walks across his stumps and nudges it without much timing to mid-wicket.
Short of a length, on off, Kyle Verreynne gets on his toes and dabs it on the off side.
Starts from over the wicket, on a back of a length, around leg, David Bedingham gets inside the line and helps it down to fine leg for a single.
First change in bowling as Prasidh Krishna replaces Jasprit Bumrah.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 25/4
K Verreynne1 (7)
D Bedingham9 (12)
M Siraj6-2-5-3
Fuller, outside the off and swinging away late, Kyle Verreynne tries to drive it to covers but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket.
Another loud shout for LBW but turned down again! Shaping into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle and leg, Kyle Verreynne stays back to a fuller delivery but misses out on the clip to get pinged on the front pad. The umpire is unmoved and Rohit Sharma standing at mid-off, indicates that Verreynne has got bat on it and they decide against the review.
Beaten again! Pitched on the hard length, swinging it away from the line of off, David Bedingham tries to straight bat at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.
A touch fuller, around the line of off, David Bedingham caught himself in two minds whether to play at it or leave and ends up getting a leading edge to gully.
Beaten! On a good length, seaming off the deck a bit, outside the line of off, David Bedingham tries to poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Pitched on the good length, shaping towards the leg stump line, Kyle Verreynne nudges it wide of mid-wicket and gets a single.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 23/4
D Bedingham8 (9)
K Verreynne0 (4)
J Bumrah6-1-16-1
Back of a length, on off, David Bedingham hops to ride on top of the bounce and stabs it on the off side.
FOUR! Easy pickings! A bit too full by Jasprit Bumrah and the line is slightly down leg, David Bedingham does not miss out as he brings his wrists into play and clips it neatly through square leg for a boundary.
On a fullish length, on off, David Bedingham gets right behind the line to keep this one out.
Pulls his length back now and bowls it on middle, David Bedingham looks to work it across the line but misses out to get hit on the thigh pad.
FOUR! Nicely done and that should help David Bedingham settle the nerves! Bumrah goes full in search of swing, on off, David Bedingham picks up the length early an drives it with a straight bat to the right of mid off for his first boundary.
Bowls it with an upright seam, on a hard length, on off and middle, David Bedingham looks to get on the front foot but the ball nips back in off the deck and rises to hit Bedingham high on the back leg.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 15/4
K Verreynne0 (4)
D Bedingham0 (3)
M Siraj5-2-3-3
Fuller, upright seam, shaping away from off, Kyle Verreynne lets this one go past to the keeper.
On the hard length, shaping away from the line of off, Kyle Verreynne walks closer to the line and taps it firmly to cover-point.
Jaffa! A great delivery by Mohammed Siraj, it's pitched back of a length, nagging away a bit off the deck, around the off stump line, Kyle Verreynne tries to play it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Fuller one, outside the off stump, Kyle Verreynne digs it out back onto the pitch on the front foot.
Kyle Verreynne walks in now with South Africa reeling at 15-4.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE AGAIN! Mohammed Siraj has three now! India are well and truly on top here in Cape Town. It's a bit unlucky for Tony de Zorzi but the visitors won't mind one bit. Siraj serves this one full and around middle and leg, shaping in a bit, Tony de Zorzi stays in his crease and tries to glance it away but only manages to get a thin edge behind where KL Rahul anticipates it well and moves to his right when the ball is released off the bat and pouches it safely in the end. South Africa four down now!
Short of a length, pitched hard into the deck, onto the bodyline, Tony de Zorzi hops and blocks it well to short leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 15/3
D Bedingham0 (3)
de Zorzi2 (15)
J Bumrah5-1-8-1
Four Byes! Bonus runs for South Africa! Bumrah tries a bit too hard for the yorker and loses his radar as he slips it on a fullish length, down leg, David Bedingham misses his flick shot. KL Rahul dives away to his left but cannot get on the end of it as the ball races away to the fine leg fence.
Edged...but short! Serves it around off, on a back of a length, David Bedingham shapes to defend it with a straight bat but the ball holds its line and gets the outside edge which falls well short of Virat Kohli at first slip.
It's all happening at Newlands! Looks to execute a yorker but serves a full-toss, angling into the stumps, David Bedingham is a bit late to bring his bat down in time and gets pinged on the front pad. The umpire is unmoved and India do not opt for the review after contemplating. The UltraEdge rolls up and it shows that Bedingham had gotten an inside edge.
David Bedingham comes out to the middle with South Africa in a spot of bother.
OUT! TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah gets into the act now! Tristan Stubbs departs early on his Test debut! Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, Tristan Stubbs is a bit tentative as he stays back in the crease to defend it out. The ball nips back in off the deck and catches the inside edge before lobbing off the front pad. It balloons towards Rohit Sharma at short leg who makes no mistake. South Africa are in more trouble now!
A massive shout for LBW but turned down! Gets the ball to tail back in sharply into the right-hander, on a length, Tristan Stubbs presses forward to keep this one out. The ball jags back in to ping him above the knee roll on the front pad. India do not go for the review as the angle would have taken the ball down leg and the height was an issue as well.
Slanting in, on a good length, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets half-forward and pats it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 11/2
de Zorzi2 (15)
T Stubbs3 (8)
M Siraj4-1-3-2
Fuller this time, shaping in a bit, on the line of middle and off, Tony de Zorzi flicks it to Rohit Sharma at short leg.
On a length again, just around the line of off, Tristan Stubbs prods forward for the push and gets a thick outside edge past point for a single.
Halt! Tristan Stubbs is not happy with his bat and needs a replacement. He gets a new one and we are good to go again.
Great delivery by Mohammed Siraj. On a hard length, bouncing off the deck a bit, into the stumps, Tristan Stubbs offers the full face of the bat and blocks it off the upper half of the bat towards the bowler.
Fuller this time, into the stumps, Tristan Stubbs blocks it off the inner half of the bat to square leg on the front foot.
Back of a length, drifting down the leg side, Tristan Stubbs lets it go past to the keeper.
On the hard length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs shoulders arms at this one.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 10/2
de Zorzi2 (14)
T Stubbs2 (3)
J Bumrah4-0-8-0
Bends his back and bangs it in short, over middle, Tony de Zorzi ducks underneath and sees the ball sail past him.
Fuller this time, on off, Tony de Zorzi lets the ball come to him and defends it off the bottom half of the bat as the ball rolls towards the slip cordon.
Serves it on a hard length, outside off, Tony de Zorzi lifts his bat and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
Goes full but the line is down leg, left alone by Tony de Zorzi. KL Rahul flies away to his right to pouch it with his right hand.
Back of a length, on off, Tony de Zorzi dabs it from the crease to backward point.
A bit of hesitation but they do make it! Swinging away, full in length, Tristan Stubbs stabs it in front of Ravindra Jadeja at point. A yes-no situation between the two batters and Stubbs has to put in the dive at the non-striker's end to make his ground.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 9/2
de Zorzi2 (9)
T Stubbs1 (2)
M Siraj3-1-2-2
Full and outside off, Tony de Zorzi is happy to leave the ball alone from the crease.
Quick single taken and Tristan Stubbs is off the mark in Test cricket! Much fuller this time, on off, Tristan Stubbs drops it with soft hands in front of cover-point and scampers across for a quick single.
Back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs hangs back in his crease and blocks it out solidy.
Tristan Stubbs comes out to the middle on his debut.
OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mohammed Siraj strikes again! India's chief tormentor Dean Elgar departs cheaply! Bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Dean Elgar is tempted by the width on offer and looks to get himself going with a boundary. Elgar presents an angled bat and he does not move his feet much. Pays the price for it as he drags it back onto the stumps. India's start gets even better!
Targets the pads again, on a length, Dean Elgar gets his bat out in front and stabs it on the leg side.
Full and angling into the pads, Dean Elgar fails to clip it away as the ball thuds onto the thigh pad and drops well in front of Rohit Sharma at short leg.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 8/1
de Zorzi2 (8)
D Elgar4 (12)
J Bumrah3-0-7-0
Fuller and on off, Tony de Zorzi covers the line of the ball and defends it out.
Comes from around the wicket does Jasprit Bumrah, angling into the left-hander, on a length, Tony de Zorzi looks to play at it from the crease but the ball nips back in to hit him on the front pad. Jasprit Bumrah looked interested but the umpire turned it down as the ball looked to be heading down leg.
Looks to go on a yorker length again but ends up serving a low full-toss, on the pads, Tony de Zorzi clips it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.
On the off-stump line, on a hard length, Tony de Zorzi trusts the bounce on offer and leaves the ball for the keeper to collect.
A bit too straight, on a good length, around leg, Dean Elgar gets inside the line and helps it away to fine leg for a single.
Nails the yorker to perfection again, tailing in, on middle, Dean Elgar is equal to the task as he digs it out down the wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 5/1
de Zorzi0 (4)
D Elgar3 (10)
M Siraj2-1-1-1
Half a shout for caught behind but turned down! Full and sliding onto the pads, Tony de Zorzi is a bit late to clip it away as the ball clips off his pads and KL Rahul completes a good diving catch to his right. Not much of an appeal from the keeper and India do not opt for the review.
In the corridor of uncertainty on off, on a good length, Tony de Zorzi makes another good leave as the ball zips past him.
Oh...sharp bounce! Bowls it on a hard length, over middle, Tony de Zorzi initially looks to play at it but the ball shoots off the deck sharply and he decides to leave the ball on length. The ball sails over the stumps and carries at neck height to KL Rahul.
Continues from over the wicket and gets the ball to angle back into the left-hander, on a good length, on off, Tony de Zorzi resists and lets the ball go through.
Tony de Zorzi walks out to bat number 3.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Mohammed Siraj gets rid of Aiden Markram again! A fine catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal and this is just the start India were after! Angles it in from over the wicket, on a length, on off, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and has to play at the delivery due to the line and length served by Siraj. Presents a defensive prod and the ball holds its line to catch the outside edge. It travels quickly and low to the left of third slip. Yashasvi Jaiswal reacts quickly and pouches it diving away to his left.
Hurls it on a good length, a bit of away movement, outside off, Aiden Markram offers no shot at it.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 5/0
D Elgar3 (10)
A Markram2 (8)
J Bumrah2-0-4-0
Swinging away, on a back of a length, outside off, Dean Elgar lifts his bat and sees the ball nestle into KL Rahul's gloves.
Shortens his length as he delivers it on off, Dean Elgar lifts his front leg as he goes for the pull but mistimes his shot in front of square leg.
Length delivery, outside off, Dean Elgar prods forward and times the drive through covers for a couple of runs.
Nearly sneaked through! Bumrah dishes out a searing yorker, tailing back into the batter, on middle, Dean Elgar gets caught by surprise but gets his bat down in the nick of time to jam it down.
Slightly fuller this time but angling away, outside off, Dean Elgar is happy to leave the ball alone again.
Angling across the left-hander, on a back of a length, Dean Elgar watches it closely and lets the ball go through.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 3/0
A Markram2 (8)
D Elgar1 (4)
M Siraj1-0-1-0
Bangs it in short again, on off, Aiden Markram rides on top of the bounce and defends it out on the off side.
Shaping away, on a good length, outside off, left alone by Aiden Markram.
In the air...but safe! Dean Elgar is away in his farewell Test albeit in a streaky fashion! Bowls it on a short of a length, on middle, Dean Elgar gets into an awkward position as he looks to work it away on the leg side. Closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that drops behind mid-wicket and to the left of mid on. A single taken.
Gets the ball to shoot off the deck, on off, on a hard length, Dean Elgar adjusts well to the extra bounce and keeps it out down the wicket.
Hits the deck hard, on off, Dean Elgar stays back in his crease and dabs it towards point.
A massive appeal for caught behind but turned down! Are they going for the review? No, they aren't. Siraj hurls it on a shortish length, around leg, Dean Elgar hops and gets inside the line to tuck it fine on the leg side. The ball comes off his thigh pad as KL Rahul pouches it to his right.
Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Mohammed Siraj.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 2/0
A Markram2 (6)
D Elgar0 (0)
J Bumrah1-0-2-0
Serves it in the channel on off, on a back of a length, Aiden Markram shoulders arms and lets it through. A probing first over from Jasprit Bumrah!
And again! Zones it in, on a good length, around off, Aiden Markram presses forward to negate the movement and looks to defend with a straight bat. The ball nips away off the deck and whizzes past the outside edge again.
Beaten! Angles it in with an upright seam, on a length, on off, Aiden Markram plays for the ball coming in but the ball holds its line and nips away slightly to beat the bat.
Gets the ball to shape away from the right-hander, on a good length, on the fourth stump line, Aiden Markram reads it well and stabs it on the off side.
Aiden Markram and South Africa are underway in this New Year's Test! Taling into the right-hander, on a back of a length, on middle, Aiden Markram accounts for the inward movement and hops to tuck this through square leg for a couple of runs.
Right on the money! Jasprit Bumrah starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, on off, not much movement, Aiden Markram gets right behind the line and defends it right under his eyeline.
We are all in readiness at the picturesque Newlands in Cape Town! The Indian team is in a huddle where Rohit Sharma is giving them a pep talk and now they spread out to take their respective field positions. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar who plays his last Test are the two openers for South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah has the new red cherry in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start but before that, the players from both sides make their way out in the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. A very emotional moment for Dean Elgar as this will be his farewell Test. It will be India's first followed by the national anthem of South Africa.
Shubman Gill is down for a chat. He says that the team got quite a few days to prepare for this game and with the New Year, the team looks forward to doing well. He further says that batting in the South African conditions is more about grit and determination. He concludes that this is a crucial game and the team is well equipped to take on this game and win this game to level the series. On this picturesque venue, he replies that it is a beautiful ground surrounded by mountains on one side and they are looking forward to this game.
PITCH REPORT - Sanjay Manjrekar informs that there is grass inside the cracks. Reckons that the ball might behave as it does when it pitches on a barren patch. Mentions that South Africa is a very unique place to bowl and feels that seamers will continue to get help on every day of the Test.
India's captain Rohit Sharma says that they would have batted first too. He says it looks like a good pitch to bat on and it might get tricky later on. He further says it's important to forget what has happened in the past and do well in the moment. He explains the grey areas that need improvements and pinpoints on scoring good runs with the bat and claiming 20 wickets with the ball which was missing in the previous game. He concludes with the two changes in the team with Ravindra Jadeja replacing Ravichandran Ashwin and Mukesh Kumar coming in for Shardul Thakur.
The captain of South Africa, Dean Elgar says that they will bat first. Adds that the wicket looks a bit interesting and a few cracks on it should help their bowlers later on. Tells that you do not win a two-match series if you don't win the first and they have crossed that hurdle. Says that the scoreboard starts from a zero and they can't wait to start against this Indian team. Informs that Temba Bavuma and Gerald Coetzee are out due to injuries as Lungi Ngidi and Tristan Stubbs replace them with the latter making his debut and Keshav Maharaj also comes in.
India (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (In for Ravichandran Ashwin), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar (In for Shardul Thakur).
South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar (C), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs (On Test debut) (In for Temba Bavuma), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (In for Keegan Petersen), Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi (In for Gerald Coetzee).
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Dean Elgar and South Africa have elected to BAT first.
On the flip side, India find themselves grappling with the disappointment of never having clinched a Test series victory in South Africa. The first match exposed their vulnerabilities, shattering their dreams of conquering the final frontier. The Indian batting lineup, except for Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, struggled to comprehend the conditions and adapt, emerging as a major concern. The bowling performance, aside from Jasprit Bumrah's commendable efforts, has also fallen short. As they head into this pivotal match, India is determined to turn the tide, seeking redemption and aiming for a series-leveling triumph. Will the New Year bring a change in fortunes for the Indian Team? Or will the Proteas continue their dominance potentially securing a series sweep? Let's find out as the Toss and team news comes to you shortly.
South Africa enter this crucial match riding a wave of confidence, courtesy of their commanding innings victory over India at the close of 2023. A fairytale script unfolds for Dean Elgar, who assumes the captaincy in his final Test match, in the absence of Temba Bavuma who is out due to a hamstring strain. Adding to the challenges, Gerald Coetzee will also be sidelined due to pelvic inflammation. Nevertheless, with ample resources at their disposal, the Proteas are poised to seamlessly fill these gaps. The team is determined to maintain their stellar performance, bringing the same intensity and energy that characterized their previous triumph into this eagerly anticipated game.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 1 of the final Test match between India and South Africa unfolding at the beautiful Newlands in Cape Town. Brace yourself for a riveting encounter where the stakes are high, and the thrill is palpable. India, fueled by the desire to level the series, faces off against the formidable hosts who are on a quest to seal the deal in this two-match series.
... MATCH DAY ...
টলি-নায়িকাকে যৌন হেনস্থার অভিযোগ, সাসপেন্ড হয়ে কী বলছেন অরিন্দম শীল?
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Musheer Khan: মুশির খানকে এখনই ভারতীয় দলের বিকল্প দেখছেন প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটার!
বদলে যাবে বাংলাদেশের জাতীয় সঙ্গীত?
যে কোনও সময় আসতে পারে সুখবর, হাসপাতালে দীপিকা
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Commentary
Right then, that is it from the shortest Test in the history of cricket. India finally managed to defeat South Africa in Cape Town and Rohit Sharma became the first Indian captain to do so. The trophy has been handed over to him and the South African skipper Dean Elgar and both of them pose for pictures as this series is shared and the final frontier still stays unbreachable for India. The Indian team along with all the staff also pose for a team picture. The Men in Blue now shift their focus to the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The first game will be played on 11th January, Thursday at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) while the South African players will join their respective teams for the SA20 which starts on 10th January, Wednesday. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!
Rohit Sharma, the victorious skipper of India gives an Indian jersey signed by all the players to Dean Elgar as a farewell gift. He says that he feels the bowlers bowled brilliantly and their plans worked. He also credits the batters to bat deep and get a lead in the first innings but is disappointed with the last 6 wickets that they lost for no runs. He appreciates Siraj for bowling a fiery spell and says that it was all about bowling the balls in the right areas. He mentions that South Africa has always been challenging but they are working on their performance while travelling to different countries. He credits South Africa for being such a good cricket team and is also proud of how his team performed. On Dean Elgar, he says that he is a tough batter to have in the opposition and they all appreciate how important he has been for his country and wish him the best for his future. He moves on to collect the trophy along with Dean Elgar as the series ends at 1-1.
Dean Elgar, the captain of South Africa says this was a tough defeat to take as they came into this game with higher expectations and momentum. He adds that a 2-0 result would've been nice. He further talks about the pitch and says it was a ripper but looked like a good wicket to the naked eye. He further concludes that he doesn't regret the decision to bat first considering the track record but unfortunately, they ended up on the receiving end.
The captain of South Africa, Dean Elgar, and Jasprit Bumrah are the JOINT PLAYERS OF THE SERIES. Elgar says he would have liked to do a bit more in this game but is happy with his performance overall. He further says that as a player one wants to test himself against the best and it was great to face off this Indian bowling lineup although he is happy to not have to face them again. He concludes that the baggy green he wore in this game was from 2012 and has lots of memories and it stays special. Bumrah says that this ground is special for him and it is good to win a match here. Adds that 2018 was a crucial year for the bowling unit and they started working on their bowling performance in overseas conditions. It has been a difficult road till here and mentions that bowling in South Africa has always proven to be tough. Mentions that he didn't expect the game to end in two days, and it is amazing how Test cricket always gives you surprises.
Mohammed Siraj is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his incredible bowling effort. Siraj says that it is good to get his best figures in Test cricket and he wanted to bowl in consistent areas. He mentions that he worked hard on improving his line and lengths since the last game and executed it well in this game. He mentions that Bumrah sets the tone for the pacers and it is fun to bowl alongside him. He further thanks his fans and asks them to keep supporting him.
Presentation Time...
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Dean Elgarr's decision backfired as the Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Siraj's career-best 6 for 15, bundled out South Africa for a mere 55 which was the lowest total by any team against India in Tests. Only Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham managed double figures. Post Lunch on Day 1, India seemed poised with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill steadying the ship. However, a shocking collapse saw them lose six wickets for no runs setting an unwanted record for them of losing the most number of wickets on the same score as they were bowled out for 153. Despite Virat Kohli and KL Rahul's partnership, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi's triple-wicket maiden post-Tea swung the momentum their way, restricting India's lead to 98 runs.
There was anticipation that Day 2 of this Test would turn out to be the Final Day and that is exactly what happened but there was no shortage of entertainment. It all started with Jasprit Bumrah getting an early wicket in the very first over. A couple of poor shot selections mixed with some excellent catching saw the Proteas reeling at 111 for 7. However, just when the visitors were looking in control, KL Rahul dropped Aiden Markram on 73 which made the batter take an ultra-aggressive approach. He smashed Prasidh Krishna all over the park in the next over and then registered a scintillating hundred on a pitch where no other batter could even cross the 50-run mark. He dedicated this century to his skipper, Dean Elgar who bids adieu to international cricket. His solo fight came to an end when he was dismissed on 106 and the tail couldn't wag much as they only managed to set up a target of 79 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a quick-fire start along with Rohit Sharma to India and almost cut the deficit in half. They did lose, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, but the captain stayed unbeaten on 17 while Shreyas Iyer hit the winning runs to seal the victory.
INDIA CREATE HISTORY! It was January 2021 when India breached the 'Fortress Gabba' after 32 years and now in January 2024, they have managed to breach Newlands in Cape Town. In doing so, they become the first-ever Asian team to defeat South Africa on this ground. The Men in Blue also level the two-match series and have achieved this feat for the first time since 2011. This Test also becomes the quickest one to end in the history of cricket in terms of balls, as it took only 642 legitimate balls to get us a result.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 80/3
S Iyer4 (6)
R Sharma17 (22)
M Jansen2-0-15-1
FOUR! Shreyas Iyer seals the deal and India have levelled the series. Marco Jansen delivers it full and on the stumps. Shreyas Iyer lofts it straight down the ground and all the fielders are stationed within the 30-yard circle. The ball meets the fence and India win the final Test match by 7 wickets. We bid Dean Elgar farewell and so do all the players from both teams. Quite an emotional moment on the ground for Elgar as he fights back his tears. India still failed to win a Test series on South African soil but they do well to level this one. A historic win for India, their first in Cape Town.
Full and outside off. Shreyas Iyer reaches for it and drives it to mid off. Oh No! Marco Jansen has overstepped and the umpire signals a No-Ball. Jansen will have to re-bowl it.
A spicy bouncer that kept climbing. Shreyas Iyer is left clueless by this one as he hops and fends it off the gloves just short of the slip cordon.
Banged in short over off. Shreyas Iyer pulls but doesn't find the connection needed. The keeper manages to get a glove on it and prevents extra runs.
On the hard length around off. Shreyas Iyer blocks it off his back foot on the off side.
Fuller, and on the stumps. Shreyas Iyer blocks it from the crease into the ground.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An excellent review from South Africa and Virat Kohli will not be able to stay unbeaten here. Marco Jansen lands this short of a length and down the leg side, Virat Kohli tries to finish things off and goes for the hook but misses as the ball passes very close to his gloves and Kyle Verreynne moves to his left to grab it. There is an appeal but it is turned down. The South African players look confident and Elgar takes the review. It turns out to be a great decision as UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is near the gloves. Kohli smiles and walks back to the hut as the on-field call is overturned. Shreyas Iyer is the next man in with India just one hit away from the win now!
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 75/2
V Kohli12 (10)
R Sharma17 (22)
K Rabada6-0-34-1
A fraction fuller, angling into the right-hander, Virat Kohli walks down the pitch again and tucks it to mid on for a single.
FOUR! That's more like it. Does what he intended to do the previous ball. Kagiso Rabada bowls this back of a length, around middle and leg, Virat Kohli gets down the pitch and wacks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Very unlike Virat Kohli! Kagiso Rabada pitches this short, hard into the deck, over middle, Virat Kohli dances down the track and looks to play across the line. The ball zips past to the keeper.
DROPPED! It seems like the South African fielders do not want Rohit Sharma to get out here. Kagiso Rabada bangs this one short and around off, Rohit Sharma goes for his favourite pull shot but gets a top edge as the ball flies miles in the air, Tony de Zorzi at point tries to settle under it for a reverse-cup, but spills it out in the end. A single is taken. Now, the description that you read so far is based on what we saw live. The replays tell more than what actually happened. Tony de Zorzi is at point and is reluctant to go for the catch as he feels that it belongs to Marco Jansen who is standing in the gully region. Zorzi for some time is heard saying 'yours' to Jansen and there is someone else also shouting the same - It's the bowler, Rabada. The pacer sees clearly that it is Zorzi's catch. Eventually, Tony de Zorzi gets under the skier, without keeping his balance and his hands are also moving and to be honest, he never looked like taking the catch. It's dropped and Rabada misses the opportunity to dismiss Rohit Sharma yet again in Test cricket.
On a very good length around off. Rohit Sharma blocks it on the off side and refuses to run. It seems as if the Indians don't want to take risks against Kagiso Rabada.
On the hard length over off. Virat Kohli nudges it away to mid-wicket and takes a single.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 68/2
R Sharma16 (20)
V Kohli6 (6)
M Jansen1-0-10-0
FOUR! Good Shot! Marco Jansen delivers it full and on the off pole. Rohit Sharma lofts it over the mid off fielder. The ball is hit well and it runs off the fence for four runs more. Only 11 needed to level the series now.
Slow and fuller outside off. Rohit Sharma is beaten as he tries to play it on the off side.
On length around off. Virat Kohli flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. A miracle needed for South Africa now.
FOUR! Flicked away nicely! Marco Jansen sticks to the hard length and bowls it on the pads. Virat Kohli flicks it with good timing. The ball runs away to the fine leg fence for four runs. Just 16 more needed to win.
Almost caught and bowled! Marco Jansen lands this on a good length, on middle, sticks to the surface a bit, Virat Kohli is a bit early into his drive and ends up chipping it down the pitch, but the ball falls well wide of the bowler.
Marco Jansen bangs it very short and the ball is over Rohit Sharma's head. He leaves it alone as the umpire signals a wide.
Fuller, and outside off. Virat Kohli shoulders arms and lets the keeper collect it.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 58/2
R Sharma12 (18)
V Kohli1 (2)
K Rabada5-0-27-1
Jaffa! Kagiso Rabada sticks to the hard length and the ball nips away out after hitting the deck. Rohit Sharma seems to have nicked it as the keeper appeals. South Africa has gone for the review and the UltraEdge confirms that there is no bat involved. South Africa lose a review.