PRETORIA (Reuters) – In a commanding display, South Africa dismantled the Indian batting line-up to secure victory by an innings and 32 runs in the first test on Thursday, concluding the match within three days and maintaining their formidable home record against the visitors.
The home team’s formidable attack dismissed India for 131 in their second innings after posting a substantial 408 in their first innings, establishing a commanding 163-run lead at Centurion. Debutant Nandre Burger claimed four wickets, Marco Jansen secured three, and Kagiso Rabada added two to the formidable bowling performance.
Despite a brief resistance from Virat Kohli, India faced an alarming collapse. The result guarantees South Africa cannot lose the series, making them the only country where India has yet to win an away series.
The pivotal moments included a fiery start to India’s second innings, where South Africa missed a wicket due to a dropped catch by Aiden Markram. However, Rabada swiftly dismissed India’s captain Rohit Sharma, setting the tone for a devastating bowling performance.
Shubman Gill led a brief fightback, contributing 26 runs, but wickets continued to fall in the last session. Kohli, who scored 76 runs off 82 balls, provided a sturdy resistance but eventually fell to an exceptional catch by Rabada.
South Africa began the day with an 11-run lead at 256-6, and Dean Elgar’s remarkable innings of 185 contributed significantly. Elgar and Marco Jansen’s 111-run partnership for the sixth wicket showcased resilience against India’s bowling attack. The second test is scheduled at Newlands in Cape Town from Jan. 3-7.
