South Africa edges closer to first test series win in India since 2000-01
South Africa’s journey towards its first test series win in India since 2000-01 continued on Wednesday as they managed to take three more Indian wickets on the morning of the fifth day. This left the hosts in a near-impossible position to secure a victory in the ongoing series.
The World Test Championship winners, South Africa, are currently leading the two-match series after clinching a nail-biting victory in the opener in Kolkata by a margin of 30 runs. The visitors have been dominant throughout the series so far, showcasing their prowess in both batting and bowling departments.
As the first tea interval approached on Wednesday, India found themselves struggling at 90-5 in their second innings, still trailing by a massive 459 runs. Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja were the only batsmen showing some resistance, but the mountain to climb seemed insurmountable.
South Africa’s off-spinner Simon Harmer was the architect of India’s downfall in the morning session, claiming four crucial wickets to put the hosts on the back foot. India’s captain and wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, was among the casualties, dismissed for a mere 13 runs.
Harmer’s spell of off-spin proved to be too much for the Indian batsmen to handle. He accounted for the wickets of night watchman Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 42-4. Pant’s dismissal in the 32nd over further compounded India’s misery.
With an improbable target of 549 runs to chase, India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, as they were reduced to 27-2 at stumps on Day 4. The openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul, failed to provide a solid start, falling early in the innings.
In the previous day’s action, Marco Jansen starred for South Africa, taking 6-48 to help his team secure a commanding 314-run first-innings lead. India was bundled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489, putting the visitors in a commanding position heading into the final day of the test match.
The series has been a compelling battle between two cricketing powerhouses, with South Africa showing their class and determination to emerge victorious on Indian soil. As the action unfolds, cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this enthralling test series.
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