India’s aspirations for a series-saving comeback were shattered in Centurion as a batting collapse on the third evening led to their downfall against South Africa. The hosts secured a comprehensive win by an innings and 32 runs, claiming a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Key Moments:
– Dean Elgar’s stellar innings of 185 and Marco Jansen’s impressive 84* set the stage for South Africa’s dominance, in stark contrast to India’s struggles with the bat.
– Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Marco Jansen exploited the pace and bounce on the Centurion surface, dismantling India’s batting lineup. Rabada’s early breakthrough, dismissing Rohit Sharma, set the tone for India’s woes.
– Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer fell victim to the relentless bowling attack, with Burger claiming crucial wickets. KL Rahul and Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissals in quick succession further deepened India’s batting crisis.
– Despite Virat Kohli’s resilient innings of 76, a stunning catch by Rabada at long-on marked the end of India’s innings. The visitors lost their last five wickets for a mere 35 runs.
– The day began unfavorably for India as Elgar and Jansen added 136 runs in the morning session, frustrating the Indian bowlers. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur struggled, conceding runs, but Thakur managed to dismiss Elgar with a lifter.
– India’s bowling effort improved after Tea, with Jasprit Bumrah taking four wickets. However, the substantial lead conceded earlier left India trailing and unable to recover.
Brief Scores:
– India: 245 (Rahul 101; Rabada 5-59) & 131 (Kohli 76; Burger 4-33)
– South Africa: 408 (Elgar 185; Bumrah 4-69)
South Africa’s dominant performance has put them in the driver’s seat, leaving India with a mountain to climb in the remaining matches.