THE RUN-CHASE

Image Credit- Wisden India. 

Venue- Kingsmead, Durban [February 2019]

Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Perera delivered an exceptional performance in the First Test against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 153 and steering his team to a remarkable one-wicket triumph in the two-match series. Played in Durban, the match witnessed Sri Lanka successfully chasing a challenging target of 304, ultimately securing a 2-0 series victory. Perera, alongside Vishwa Fernando, engineered a record-breaking 10th wicket partnership, injecting a thrilling conclusion to the fluctuating Test match. Their Partnership, totaling an unbeaten 78 runs, rescued the Sri Lankan side and propelled them across the finish line.

Commencing with Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne winning the toss and opting to field, the hosts were dismissed for 235 in the initial innings, with top-scorer Quinton de Kock amassing 80 runs and Temba Bavuma contributing 47. South Africa countered by dismissing the Sri Lankans for 191, with Perera and Karunaratne leading the scoring with 51 and 30 runs respectively, while only two others managed to reach double figures.

Facing a target of 304 runs, Sri Lanka began steadily but stumbled to 52/3. Perera then took charge, stabilizing the innings with partnerships of 58 runs with Oshada Fernando and 96 runs with Dhananjaya de Silva. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Perera persisted, reaching his century in the 74th over and continuing his sensational display to eventually guide Sri Lanka within striking distance of victory.

Perera's stellar innings of 153 runs, which included 12 fours and five sixes, earned widespread acclaim and marked his highest score in 15 Tests. He was rightfully awarded the man of the match for his outstanding contribution, a performance that will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Sri Lanka's series win in South Africa, particularly the stunning victory in Durban, stands as one of the most memorable overseas achievements of the decade. Prior to this series, South Africa had dominated with 15 wins in their last 17 home Tests, making Sri Lanka's triumph all the more remarkable.

To watch Perera's incredible knock, Click Here. 

THE WALL

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi [April 2004].

India's visit to Pakistan during the 2003-04 cricket season was significant for several reasons. It symbolized the revival of cricketing relations between the neighboring countries and provided a platform for India's emerging cricketers to showcase their talent and cement their places as legends of the sport, which they certainly did not fail to do. The pivotal three-match Test series, clinched 2-1 by India, was dominated by Virender Sehwag, who etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to surpass the 300-run milestone during the Multan Test. While players like Irfan Pathan, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Anil Kumble contributed consistently throughout the series, it was Rahul Dravid who emerged as the savior for the visiting team in the decisive match at Rawalpindi.

With the series tied at 1-1, the fate rested on the outcome of the third Test in Rawalpindi. Despite a lackluster performance by his standards earlier in the series with scores of 6, 33, and 0, Rahul Dravid seized the moment to turn the tables. Supported by Balaji's impressive four-wicket haul on Day 1, which restricted Pakistan to 224, Dravid relieved the pressure on India's batting lineup. However, Shoaib Akhtar dealt a blow to India by dismissing the in-form Virender Sehwag for a duck, leaving Dravid with a monumental task.

The experienced campaigner, alongside Parthiv Patel, steered India towards stability. Yet, Dravid's remarkable turnaround began on Day 1 when he reached 100 runs, and by Day 3, he soared to 270 – his highest Test score – guiding India to a commanding total of 600. Reflecting on his performance, Dravid recalled a light-hearted prediction he had made after the first day's play when he felt confident about his batting despite a modest score.

India's imposing total proved insurmountable for Pakistan as they faltered for the second time in the match. Anil Kumble claimed four wickets, while Balaji snared three, securing India's victory by an innings and 131 runs, thus clinching the series 2-1.

To watch that knock, Click Here. 

A WIN TO CHERISH

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town [January 2024].

In December 2023, Indian Cricket Team toured South Africa to play 3 T20s, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests. The T20 Series ended 1-1 whereas the Indians won the ODI Series 2-1. As a result, hopes were high, and many believed that we could conquer the final frontier this time. Afterall South Africa is the only place where we are yet to win a test series. However, those hopes got shattered in Centurion when India lost the match by an innings and 32 runs. It was indeed a disastrous performance by the visitors. 

Furthermore, the second test was to happen in a venue where India previously had never won a match. So, it was going to be a herculean task for the visitors. However, Boy! What a game it turned out to be as Indians wrapped up this game in just 2 days' time and levelled the series 1-1. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah led from the front as Indians won the 2nd test by 7 wickets. 

South African Captain Dean Elgar won the toss and decided to bat first. However, it turned out to be a disaster as the Hosts were bowled out for just 55 runs in their first innings. Mohammed Siraj picked up 6 wickets for just 15 runs as he made a mess of the South Africa Batting Line-Up. In response the Indians were bowled out for 153 runs in their first innings. 

The South Africans were still in the game, but Bumrah dashed all their hopes of comeback as he picked up 6 wickets in the 2nd innings which reduced South Africa to 176 in their second innings. Aiden Markram scored a magnificent 106 in such tough conditions, but apart from him every Proteas Batsman struggled to bat. Indians needed 79 runs to win the game but looking at the surface of the pitch even that looked challenging.

However, the Indian Top Order came out with an attacking approach and finished the game in just 12 overs. Thus, marking India's first ever Test win at the venue. Furthermore, this was also the shortest Test in terms of balls bowled to end in a result (642).

 

To watch the highlights of this test, click on the URLs below-

Day 1.

Day 2.