Team India ended the year 2021 on a high after a 113 run win over South Africa. The Indians won the game two overs after lunch break at the SuperSport Park at Centurion. The ground in Centurion is considered a fortress for the Homeside and India doesn’t have happy memories of the ground. They have lost their last two encounters in this stadium before the first test win today.
Elgar and Bavuma Show Intent –
Day five was always predicted to have some thundershowers during the day. It was a bright and sunny morning as South Africa resumed the day at 94 for 4. The home team still needed 211 runs and the Indian side 6 wickets for a win. Captain Elgar and Temba Bavuma though went after the Indian bowlers in a show of intent to chase down the target. The pair added 36 for the 5th wicket.
Indian fast bowlers run riot –
Bumrah got the first wicket of the day when he trapped Elgar LBW for 77. De Kock and Bavuma added 31 quick runs before De Kock chopped one back on to his stumps for 21 off Mohammad Siraj. Mohammad Shami then got the wicket of Mulder. South Africa went to lunch at 182/7 with 123 runs more needed.
Quick finish post lunch –
Jansen came out of the hut after lunch and creamed two sweet boundaries off Shami. The 31 year old Indian had the last laugh as Jansen was caught behind by Pant to become Shami’s 8th wicket of the game. It was soon all over as Ashwin first had Rabada caught by Shami at point for duck. The next ball the 113 run win was confirmed when Ngidi was caught leg slip by Pujara to give Ashwin two quick wickets.
Twitter reacts to the win –
Post the comprehensive test win over South Africa at Centurion many leading voices came out to congratulate the Indian team. Former opener Aakash Chopra tweeted “Centurion Conquered. In 3.5 days. Let’s convert this start into a 1st ever series win in South Africa” . Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer too had fun at the Home-teams expense with a hilarious tweet. Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh tweeted “Entire second day washed out. 5th day just one session play and yet India wins comprehensively. Congratulations”. Former India all rounder Irfan Pathan wrote “first step towards the history! Well done team India for winning the 1st match of the series”