INCREDIBLE scenes were witnessed on the first day of the second Test between South Africa and India at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Wednesday (3) when 23 wickets tumbled and the third innings was underway at stumps.
India, who lost the first Test in Centurion by an inning and 32 runs, came out with a lot of intent after the home team, led by Dean Elgar who was playing his final Test match, won the toss and elected to bat. India pacers breathed fire to bundle out the hosts for a paltry 55 in less than 24 overs with Mohammed Siraj taking six wickets for 15 runs, his best-ever bowling performance in the long format.
For South Africa, wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne top scored with 15.
India lost their opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early but captain Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) put up a 50-run partnership for the second wicket. The Asians went into tea at 111 for 4, taking a lead of 56 runs. Virat Kohli was batting on 20 and KL Rahul yet to open his account.
More drama unfolded after tea after Kohli (46) and Rahul (8) added 43 runs for the fifth wicket. India fell like a pack of cards once Rahul departed off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi in the 34th over. The visitors lost their last six wickets without addition of a single run to the scoreboard and they were all out for 153, the score at which Rahul fell. India were all out inside 35 overs, taking a lead of 98 runs. Pacers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger took three wickets each.
South Africa started their second essay cautiously with Elgar (12) adding 37 runs with Aiden Markram for the opening wicket. But after Elgar was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar in the 11th over, the Proteas lost two quick wickets to slide to 45 for 3. They ended the day at 62 for 3 with some quick runs towards the last few deliveries. Markram was unbeaten on 36 while David Bedingham was batting on seven. Kumar took two wickets while Jasprit Bumrah one. Siraj was yet to take his first wicket in the second outing.
India were ahead by 36 runs in a Test that doesn't look to extend beyond the second day.
Brief scores:
South Africa 55 all out (Kyle Verreynne 15, Mohammed Siraj 6 for 15) & 62-3 (Aiden Markram 36 not out, Mukesh Kumar 2 for 25)
India 153 all out (Virat Kohli 46, Lungi Ngidi 3 for 30).
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