Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.
Venue – Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town [January 3-4, 2024].
In December 2023, the 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. After all, 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 scheduled in a venue wherein India has never won a test match. So, the comeback was not going to be that easy. However, in a few days' time everything changed as Indians wrapped up this deciding test in just 2 days 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. Interestingly, we lost our last six wickets at the score of 153 itself. We went from 153/4 to 153 all out. Apart from Virat Kohli, no one else looked comfortable on the pitch. Kohli scored a quickfire 46 off 59 deliveries as we took an important lead of 98 runs.
The South Africans were still in the game, but Bumrah dashed all their hopes of a 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, it is interesting to note that this was also the shortest test in terms of balls bowled to end in a result (642).
The series was levelled 1-1, as both the teams shared the trophy at the presentation.
To watch the highlights of this Test, click on the URLs below.
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