India won the 2nd test comprehensively as the bowlers did not allow South African top orders to settle. Though the lower order tried to make up for the top order’s failure, it was as good as climbing the mountain for the tail. Here, we provide you insights into the last 2 days of the India vs South Africa 2nd test.
India vs South Africa 2nd test- Maharaj and Philander fight
South Africa began the day with 36 runs on board for the loss of three wickets. They were very soon reduced to 53/5 as they kept losing wickets frequently. Then at first, there was a partnership of 75 runs between Faf du Plessis (64) and Quinton de Kock (31) followed by a big one between Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander.
When the visitors were reeling at 162/9, these two added 109 runs for the 9th wicket in 42.1 overs and kept the struggle on for the visitors.
Indian bowlers on show
Indian bowlers were never out of the track and did not let the partnerships develop too long. Mohammed Shami (2/44) struck early as he dismissed night-watchman Anrich Nortje (3) to add more to his tally.
Wriddhiman Saha then caught Theunis de Bruyn (30) spectacularly off Umesh Yadav to leave South Africa reeling at 53/5. Yadav finally ended with 3/37. When Faf and de Kock were going strong,
Ashwin struck to send de Kock back just before the luck. Ravindra Jadeja (1/81) trapped Senuran Muthusamy (7) leg-before shortly after tea thanks to an excellent decision by Nigel Llong.
Ashwin then took care of Faf du Plessis and most importantly Keshav Maharaj. He finally finished things off by dismissing Rabada to end the innings with 4/69.
Finally, India bowled out South Africa for 275 at stumps, thus securing a 326-run lead in the second Test, at Pune.
Kohli surprises with ‘Follow On’ decision
Virat Kohli surprisingly asked the Proteas to follow on with enough runs to defend in hand in a good amount of time on India vs South Africa 2nd test Day 4. The major point of concern was the bowlers would be bowling for the second consecutive day. They already bowled for 105.4 overs and rightfully deserved a break.
The Indian skipper, with full confidence on his bowling squad, asks South Africa to follow on. It was probably because of the pitch condition who had a tendency of drying out. Kohli wanted to utilize it when it was still lively.
It was the skipper’s confidence, his strategy, fielding placements, bowling changes that took India home in the India vs South Africa 2nd test of this three-match Test series.
Anti-climax for visitors
This time it was a shorter stay of the tourists in the middle. Two balls into the game and South Africa lost a wicket. Then the procession to the pavilion continued. The Proteas were visibly struggling in front of the Indian bowling attack and kept losing one after one wicket at quick successions.
Temba Bavuma and Senuran Muthusamy tried to put some fight. But the 46-run partnership was never solid enough to show resistance. Jadeja broke the partnership and dismissed Bavuma, and within the next four runs, Muthusamy was sent by Shami.
Philander and Maharaj tried to repeat their showcase from the first innings. This time Philander took the major role and scored 37 runs off 72 balls. Maharaj added 22 off 65. Umesh Yadav brought an end to the 56-run partnership and quickened the process of India’s winning.
Philander was followed by Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada in a space of four runs and South Africa were bundled up for just 189 runs. This gave India a thumping win by an innings and 137 runs.
Wriddhiman Saha shows why he is the best wicketkeeper in the world
The ruthless bowlers got a pair of safe hands behind the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha, the best keeper in the world according to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri fulfilled his job with absolute perfection. The first innings saw him taking two catches.
This time the number increased to three and Saha showed his superman skills with gloves. Theunis de Bruyn went for delivery from Yadav and Saha swiftly jumped to his left in the air to pouch it within seconds.
Faf du Plessis’ dismissal was another example of brilliant keeping by Saha. He took the catch in the fourth attempt inches from the group and sent the most dangerous man of the Proteas squad back to the dressing room.
India vs South Africa 2nd test- Record win for India
With this win, India sealed the series 2-0 and the Indian cricket team became the first team to touch 200 points in the World Test Championship table. They are way ahead of second-ranked team New Zealand who currently have 60 points.
India also created the world record for most consecutive series victories at home by winning the India vs South Africa 2nd test. This win against the Proteas was India’s 11th successive series win at home.
It took the hosts past Australia’s previous best of 10 wins which they recorded twice with the streaks coming to an end in 2000 and 2008 respectively. No other Test-playing nation has a record of more than eight wins.
