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| IND vs SA : File |
In a thrilling culmination to the two-match Test series between India and South Africa, Team India emerged victorious in the second test at Cape Town, leveling the series at 1-1. The first match had seen South Africa secure a dominant win by an innings and 32 runs. With the triumph in the second test, Rohit Sharma etched his name in history as the second Indian captain to secure a drawn Test series in South Africa, following Mahendra Singh Dhoni's feat in 2011.
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| INDvSA file photo |
Historic Win in Cape Town: Breaking the 31-Year Jinx
Notably, this win marked India's first-ever Test victory in Cape Town in its 31-year history. The historic encounter unfolded as Team India wrapped up the second match by defeating South Africa with seven wickets to spare. The series, characterized by intense competition, showcased the resilience and determination of both sides.
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| SKY Sports |
Record-Breaking Shortest Test Match in History
The Cape Town test will be remembered for its brevity, making history as the shortest Test match in cricket. Concluding in just 107 overs, this match set a record with only 642 valid deliveries, excluding no-balls and wides. This feat surpassed the 1932 encounter between Australia and England, which concluded in 109.2 overs, with Australia emerging victorious.
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| Hotstar |
Dominant Bowling Display: Siraj and Bumrah Shine
The turning point of the match came during South Africa's second innings, where the Indian bowlers delivered a stellar performance. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, exhibited his prowess, claiming five or more wickets in an innings for the third time in Test cricket. The South African batting order struggled against Siraj's relentless attack, bundling out for a mere 55 runs before lunch.
Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional display was another highlight, as he contributed six crucial wickets in the second innings. Bumrah's remarkable feat earned him a place in the record books and solidified his reputation as a key player for India in overseas conditions.
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| Hotstar |
India's Efficient Run Chase
Chasing a target of 79 runs, the Indian batsmen approached the task with efficiency and determination. Despite losing early wickets, Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting, supported by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, propelled India towards victory. Although Kohli fell prey to Rabada, Shreyas Iyer stepped up, ensuring India crossed the finish line and secured an historic win.
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| Hotstar |
Elgar's Farewell and Markram's Resistance
The match also witnessed the end of an era, as South African captain Dean Elgar played his final Test innings. Winning the toss and opting to bat, Elgar's decision unwittingly set the stage for a challenging batting experience on a tricky pitch. Virat Kohli's hug and the standing ovation from the stadium marked a poignant farewell to Elgar's illustrious Test career as a batsman.
Aiden Markram's century in South Africa's second innings added a layer of resistance, delaying India's inevitable victory. Markram's valiant effort, scoring 106 runs off 103 balls, showcased the fighting spirit of the South African team.
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| BCCI |
A Tale of Resilience and Win
In summary, the India vs. South Africa Test series provided cricket enthusiasts with a rollercoaster of emotions. From South Africa's commanding win in the first match to India's historic triumph in Cape Town, the series encapsulated the spirit of resilience, determination, and cricketing excellence. As Rohit Sharma and his team bask in the glory of their achievement, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping rivalry.
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| BCCI |
Post Presentation :
A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes we made in that Test. We came back pretty well, especially our bowlers. Even though the conditions were tough for batters, you still go to put the ball in the right areas. Had some plans as to what we wanted to do and the boys got rewarded for it. We applied ourselves, we batted really well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that first innings lead was very important for us. (On Siraj) Very very special, something that you don't get to see quite often, a spell like that. We spoke about keeping things very simple, because the pitch will do the rest for us and that's exactly what happened. Lot of credit to Siraj, Bumrah and Mukesh and Prasidh as well who supported them in whatever way they could. Whenever you come to this part of this world, it's always challenging. In the last 4-5 years, we have become a very good travelling team. We've played a lot of good cricket outside India, we take a lot of pride in our performance outside India. We would have liked to win the series. You cannot get everything. South Africa is a great team, they always challenge us, that's probably the reason we have not won a series. They are such a good cricket team. To come and win like this, we can take a lot of pride from this performance. (On Elgar) Such an important player for South Africa, what he's done throughout his career for South Africa, only few have done that. Very gritty. His wicket - we only spoke about how we want to get him out quickly. For someone to have a career like that, we do appreciate it, all of us. I'd like to wish him the best for the future. You don't get to see a player like that every now and then. Brilliant career, best wishes ahead.
Jasprit Bumrah | Player of the Series:
This ground will always hold a special place in my heart. It was always a dream to play Test cricket and the journey started here, there's always fond memories of my first game. Very happy that it went well today as well. That journey started in 2018 - our bowling unit was experienced and we wanted to create an impact. We knew that if we want to do well in foreign conditions, we'll have to bowl a lot more and consistently. In India, the spinners do a lot more work. The vision started from there. Our team is also going through a transition. Lot of the bowlers have been changed, but the message is still the same, you have to keep fighting. It's not easy playing in South Africa, different conditions, the crowd is also something. We fought it out in the last game as well. It's difficult to keep coming at it because it requires a lot of strength and patience. If you lose it, in one session, the game goes out of your hand. We are very happy that we were able to do it in this game. I didn't expect the game to go this fast, I have never played a shorter Test match in my life. Looking at the wicket on the first day, nobody really thought that this much was going to happen. We wanted to bat first as well. Test cricket gives you surprises. Very happy that we got our first win (in Cape Town), a great series and a fighting series.
Dean Elgar | Player of the Series:
I would have liked to do more in this game, we might have had a few more runs to try and defend. Still very proud of my performance that I had in Centurion. Finally on the board there in the hundred club. Nice to contribute to a winning cause. Some really tough batting conditions throughout. It (3-Test series) would have been fantastic, maybe back in Centurion (laughs). You want to challenge yourself and play against the best in the world. Bumrah is a world-class bowler, he deserves this Man of the Series award. As a player, you want to test yourself and push yourself to different limits. Glad that I don't have to face these guys again. Fond memories. I'm sure I played that Test match when he (Bumrah) made his debut. We've also come a long way. Very grateful to play against these guys. (On his baggy green) Has had a bit of a journey. A lot of good, amazing memories. I received it in 2012 in the Perth debut, I have missed only one series with it and that was West Indies, captained the first series. It's got a special place at home and it doesn't leave, only leaves for duty, but that's now done and dusted. So I'm gonna have to find a special place for it. It is the first one and I am glad I finished with it.
Mohammed Siraj | Player of the Match:
It's my best figures in Test career. I tried to be consistent, hit the right areas and not think too much. I wasn't consistent in the previous match and that's why we leaked a lot of runs. Worked hard on consistency and tried to be relentless with my lengths. That gave me a lot of rewards. When we play together, he (Bumrah) gets the message earlier. We try to analyse the wicket a little quicker so that the communication goes to the bowling circuit that this is the wicket and this is what we are looking to do . (Message to the fans) Thank you so much, keep supporting, keep loving.
Dean Elgar:
A tough one for us. Pretty positive coming into this game. The first innings killed us with the bat. India bowled fantastically and used the conditions to a T. Still a draw, still a lot of positives for the young players that we have within the side. 2-0 would have been really nice, would have tasted a lot better today, still managed 1-1, proud of the boys. The way the bowlers bowled in this series and the way Aiden batted in the second innings is something out of the world. (On the Newlands pitch) It was a bit of a ripper. Naked eye, it looked like it's going to be a nice one. It played totally different to what everyone thought. Unfortunately, we were on the receiving end, big learning curve for the future. If you ask Rohit, he'd have batted first as well. They just out-skilled us in that first session.
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| Team India vs SA Test |
