It’s another low-scoring thriller, which has been the trend in this 3-match Test series between the Proteas and India. And, after all that cricket South Africa, who are the number six ranked test team ICC’s Test rankings, are just 111-runs from winning a series against the top-ranked test playing country in the world.
It has been a proper day of Test Cricket for both nations, with the match swinging constantly. The Proteas started the day as favourites. Especially after they had India down four wickets with just 58-runs on the scoreboard.
Pant and Virat Show
Indian captain Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant then almost took the game out of the South Africans hands by forming a massive 94-run partnership. That brought about a hush over Newlands, which was only broken when Kohli was sent packing. Lungi Ngidi the man responsible for the turnaround with a massive spell. A spell that brought about two more wickets.
While Pant managed to get to a 4th career century, he ran out of partners. It saw him end his innings unbeaten on 100. The rest of the Indian batters, except for Kohli, left a lot to be desired. India all-out for 198, with the Proteas chasing 211 for victory.
A positive start
The South Africans chase is well and truly underway. Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen formed a solid partnership (78).
Elgar did survive an early shout for LBW. Though he was given out, the captain asked the 3rd umpire to have a check. Hawke eye revealed that the ball would’ve missed the leg-stump completely.
The South African captain could, unfortunately not see the day through, as he lost his wicket with the final delivery of the day. That means the fate of the series now rests on Keegan Petersen’s shoulders.
Match Situation
At Stumps, South Africa are on 101 for 2 (29.4) and need another 111-runs for victory.
Petersen – 48* (61)
Elgar – 30 (96)
Jasprit Bumrah – 1/29 (9.4)
If you missed any of the action of the past couple of days, click on Day 1 or Day 2.
