Picture : BCCI/ X
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah produced a hostile spell to guide India to a series-levelling seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the shortest game ever played in Test history.
Just when India needed Bumrah to fire he delivered – (6/61 in 13.5 overs) to wreck South Africa’s middle-order in a menacing morning spell though Aiden Markram (106 off 103 balls) fought like a lone ranger on a burning deck to take South Africa to 176 in 36.5 overs at stroke of lunch on day two.
Starting at 62 for 3, South Africa quickly lost their middle-order to be 111 for 7 before Aiden Markram took charge in a 51-run stand with Kagiso Rabada where he launched into every Indian bowler. It finally took first innings hero Siraj (1/31) to induce a mistimed heave from Markram, ensuring the lead did not cross 100-run mark.
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A target of 79 even on the toughest of tracks wasn’t exactly a tall order and young Yashasvi Jaiswal (28) threw his bat around before skipper Rohit Sharma (16 not out) completed the formalities in the company of Shreyas Iyer (4 not out off 6) in just 12 overs. Shubman Gill was out 10 , Virat Kohli ( 12) . India reaching 83/ 2 in 12 overs.
This was India’s first victory at Newlands in seven attempts and one that would be remembered for the hostility exhibited by two Indian fast bowlers – Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who produced a career-best six-wicket haul to bowl out South Africa for 55 in the first innings.
A total of 106.2 overs were bowled in this match while 109.2 overs were bowled in that 1932-match which Australia won. Eerily, South Africa’s first innings had lasted for 23.2 overs, just like this game.
South Africa skipper Dean Elgar who announced retirement was presented a signed Team India Jersey by India Skipper Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli too gave his shirt to Elgar.
