Things are moving fast in the first Test after 13 wickets fell on Day 4 and we now move on to an exciting final chapter of this match. With India needing six wickets and South Africa 211 runs, the equations are precise for both teams.
India stumbles but builds a substantial lead
The day started with India losing their nightwatchman Shardul Thakur. From there on, the Proteas bowler ruled the lineup, complemented by the inconsistent bounce that the pitch offered.
Most of the batters got dismissed almost in a similar fashion as in the first innings – especially Virat Kohli, who again got out chasing a loose drive away from the body. However, the South African bowlers utilized the favoring conditions well and gave an all-round bowling performance, with Kagiso Rabada grabbing four wickets at the expense of 42 runs. While doing this, he continued his love affair with the no-balls in the second innings, stepping the line six times this time and 17 in total, an unwanted record for him.
For Indian batting, while Rishabh Pant provided some resistance, he too perished for 34 runs. Finally, the Indian innings was done on 174 runs, enough to increase their lead to seal the match.
Elgar fights back
South Africa’s opening partnership against India continued to disappoint, with Shami taking the lead this time by removing Markram. In the last 11 innings against India, Proteas opening pairs have managed to cross the double digits only once, a fact that they need to address urgently.
The only saving grace and the hope for the final day (apart from the predicted rain) for South African is their captain Dean Elgar who is currently playing on 52 runs. While he received some help from Keegan Peterson and later Keshav Maharaj, the Indian pace attack made sure of not letting them settle. With Maharaj’s wicket on the last ball of the day, Bumrah made sure to dampen the Proteas’ fighting intent.
What’s in store for the final day?
Even with yet another collapse today, India are clearly on top. While all the three results are possible, the most likely one remains India as the winner if the rain god has some different place to bless tomorrow, apart from Centurion. The only man that holds the key for Proteas to save this Test is their captain Dean Elgar. If the weather does not turn ugly, we might have the result in the first session itself.