Following their crushing defeat in Centurion, India stunned everyone by defeating South Africa in two days at the second Test in Cape Town, leveling the series at one.
There were doubts about the visitors’ ability to show up in Cape Town and they were unable to participate in the Centurion Test. However, they maintained their lead in the game and made sure they won easily after bowling South Africa out for just 55 runs in the first innings.
Cricket players and fans praised Men in Blue on social media for their outstanding display and for having the fortitude to rally and tie the series.
Here are a few responses:
India overcome Aiden Markram’s challenge on Day 3
Day three began with South Africa behind by just 36 runs, and they had David Bedingham and Aiden Markram at the wicket to aim as high as they could. However, Jasprit Bumrah struck a brilliant spell to make sure the visitors wouldn’t need to pursue a large score.
With six wickets taken in the innings by the prolific speedster, the visitors needed to chase down just 79 runs to win. With an incredible hundred, Aiden Markram may have played the innings of his career thus far, but it wasn’t enough to offer South Africa a realistic goal.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quick start made sure the pursuing side wouldn’t have any big problems, as they won the match with seven wickets remaining. They are undoubtedly able to salvage the series and earn vital World Test Championship (WTC) points thanks to this victory.
In Cape Town, Rohit Sharma wins his maiden Test match as captain. The visitors will be heartened by their comeback, even if it was probably against all odds, and lament the lost opportunity to win a series and cross the ‘ultimate frontier’.
