The first test match between South Africa and India treated everyone to an intense showdown. Despite India’s historical struggle to secure a series win on South African soil, they’ll have to wait for another opportunity. The much-anticipated battle concluded surprisingly quickly, wrapping up in just three days.
In the first innings of the Centurion Test, South Africa took a commanding lead against India, piling up an impressive 408 runs. The spotlight was on Dean Elgar, who played a marathon innings, scoring a remarkable 185 runs from 287 balls. His exceptional performance on a challenging pitch tailored for seamers, marked by 28 boundaries, showcased his dominance and set South Africa on the path to success.
Despite Virat Kohli’s brave effort with 76 runs in the second innings, India struggled, managing only 131 runs. The outcome was a resounding defeat by an innings and 32 runs, leaving India stunned and the cricket world buzzing.
Contrary to expectations, South Africa’s relatively inexperienced squad displayed remarkable maturity and discipline. They not only outperformed but also outmaneuvered and outclassed the world’s best Test squad. This victory not only highlighted their skill but also kindled hopes for India’s future successes in the rainbow country.
India’s first innings displayed a blend of promise and struggle at the crease. KL Rahul’s exceptional century underscored his batting prowess, yet the Indian lineup encountered formidable resistance from the South African bowling duo of Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger, who wreaked havoc by claiming five and three wickets, respectively. Crucial wickets falling at pivotal moments disrupted India’s momentum, culminating in their first-inning total of 245 runs.
In reply, South Africa exhibited their batting finesse, spearheaded by Dean Elgar’s outstanding 185, complemented by significant contributions from David Bedingham and Marco Jansen. This collective effort propelled South Africa to an imposing total of 408. While India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, made efforts to stem the Proteas’ onslaught, the resilience of the South African team was evident as they dominated the proceedings.
Here is how fans reacted to Team India’s defeat on social media:
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