South Africa vs India, 2nd Test, Cape Town: Jasprit Bumrah's 6-61 helps India square series against South Africa. Aiden Markram's hundred (106) goes in wain as India win by 7 wickets.
Brief Scores: IND 153 & 80/3 (Jaiswal 28, Jansen 1/15) beat SA 55 & 176 (Markram 106, Bumrah 6/61) by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Mohammad Siraj (Match Figures of 7/46)
Player of the Series: Jasprit Bumrah ( 12 wickets), Dean Elgar (201 runs)
In a riveting Day 2 at Cape Town, Aiden Markram's elegant century, a sublime 106 off 103, stood as a lone beacon of resistance for South Africa on the second morning. However, Jasprit Bumrah's stellar bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets for 61 runs, propelled India towards a series-leveling triumph.
As the lunch interval concluded, the visitors found themselves with a modest target of 79 runs after South Africa was bowled out for 176. Demonstrating ease and composure, India chased down the required runs, leveling the series at 1-1 in a spectacular display of skill and determination.
Talking point: South Africa's batters couldn’t advance in the second innings. Conversely, India bowled well to restrict them to 176, thus getting themselves a target of 79 runs only.
On Day 2, South Africa, already behind with three wickets lost, struggled to find resilience. Despite Aiden Markram's standout performance, showcasing intent and fight-back spirit, the rest of the batting lineup failed to step up. India's bowlers capitalized on favorable conditions, particularly after Markram's departure, swiftly bundling up the South African innings before lunch, restricting them to 176. The target of 79 runs set the stage for an easy run chase for India.
Markram's dominance and seven wickets make for a frantic morning session that yielded over 100 runs:
Starting day 2 at 62/3, South Africa displayed resilience on a challenging surface, signaling a proactive intent. Despite the risks associated with the pacers exploiting the conditions, the decision to counterattack seemed justified after witnessing India's successful approach in the previous innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who played a supporting role earlier, took charge with an aggressive pace-bowling display, dismissing key batters like David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs.
Amidst the precarious situation at 111/7, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada mounted a remarkable onslaught. Markram's audacious century, characterized by aggressive strokes, particularly against Prasidh Krishna, showcased his ability to take on a challenging pitch. The crucial 51-run stand with Rabada averted potential embarrassment and presented South Africa with a fighting chance.
However, Markram's dismissal by Mohammed Siraj marked a turning point, leading to a swift conclusion of the innings. With a modest target set, India were well-positioned to secure a series draw at 1-1.
India's Swift 79-Run Chase Secures Victory as South Africa Succumbs for 176, a 7-Wicket Triumph:
India's pursuit of the modest target in the series-deciding match against South Africa was a masterclass in batting execution. Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive innings of 28 laid the foundation, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition. With an unbeaten 17, Captain Rohit Sharma played a captain's innings, steering the ship after the early loss of Shubman Gill.
Despite the loss of Virat Kohli, Sharma found a reliable partner in Shreyas Iyer, whose calm yet assertive approach contributed to the team's victory. The duo's partnership epitomized a blend of caution and aggression, ensuring India secured the win with seven wickets.
This comprehensive victory highlighted individual contributions and reflected India's collective batting strength and resilience in challenging situations.
Thus, The New Year's Test is the shortest completed Test match, wrapping up within four and a half sessions. In a poignant moment, the curtains fall on Dean Elgar's illustrious international career, marking an emotional farewell.
As players from both teams share heartfelt handshakes, the conclusion of this historic Test not only records a unique milestone but also bids farewell to a stalwart of the game, leaving a lasting imprint on the cricketing world.
Dean Elgar (POTS) said at the end: “I would have liked to do more in this game. Still very proud of the performance I had in Centurion. It's nice to contribute to a winning cause. Some really tough conditions throughout.”
“A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from our mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans, and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead; not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it would be a short game; we knew every run matters, and to get that lead was very important.”- Rohit Sharma, India Captain, after the conclusion of the second test.
At the end, Jasprit Bumrah (POTS) said: “This ground will always hold a special place in my heart. The journey started here, always have fond memories. Very happy it went well today. That journey started in 2018 - our bowling unit was experienced, and we wanted to make an impact. In India, the spinners do a lot more work. Our team is also going through a transition. Many bowlers have been changed, the message is the team, keep fighting. We fought it out in the last game as well. Requires a lot of patience. We are very happy that we could do it in this game. I didn't expect the game to go this fast. We wanted to bat first as well. Test cricket gives you surprises. Great series.”
Statistical highlights from Day 2 of SA vs IND 2nd Test
Bumrah is the Indian bowler with a maximum of five wickets hauled against South Africa on their soil.
Bumrah is third on the list of visiting bowlers with the most test wickets at Newlands.
Bumrah has the joint-fourth highest fifers for India in away Tests.
Most wickets by an India bowler in Cape Town vs SA.
Bumrah now has the third most test wickets for India in SA.
Jasprit Bumrah recorded his ninth fifer in Tests.
This is the shortest Test match ever in the history of the game.
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