SA vs IND: In the clash between South Africa and India in Centurion, the first innings witnessed an astounding display of cricket prowess. Dean Elgar, in his final game on home turf, played a marathon innings. Despite a challenging pitch favoring seamers, Elgar’s remarkable 185 runs off 287 balls propelled South Africa to a commanding position. His innings, adorned with 28 fours, not only showcased his skill but also placed South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat.
Despite a valiant effort from Virat Kohli, who scored 76 runs, India found themselves scoring only 131 runs in the second innings. The result? A resounding defeat by an innings and 32 runs. The cricketing world witnessed India, touted as the best Test squad, being outperformed and overpowered in just three days. The underdog South African team, prepared and disciplined, emerged victorious, leaving India to contemplate their unexpected downfall.
South Africa’s victory was not just a surprise. The defeat, while shocking, keeps India’s hopes alive for a comeback in the rainbow country. The first session of the Test saw India grappling with the seam movement orchestrated by Rabada and debutant Nandre Burger. Despite KL Rahul’s brilliant century, India managed to post 245 runs in their first innings. However, the rookie South African squad, with Elgar leading the charge, capitalized on India’s lackluster bowling to gain a substantial lead.
Elgar’s innings at Centurion was not just a hundred; it was a “daddy hundred.” Blunting the new ball alongside de Zorzi, Elgar not only scored his maiden hundred at Centurion but also built a substantial lead for South Africa. With supporting contributions from Jansen and Bedingham, South Africa’s total reached an imposing figure, putting India’s chances of victory in jeopardy.
With a 163-run advantage, India’s hopes were dwindling, and Rabada ensured there would be no recovery. Nandre Burger’s brilliant second innings performance, dismissing key Indian players, further solidified South Africa’s grip on the match. Even the mightiest efforts from Kohli could only keep India in the game for so long, as they succumbed to South Africa’s bowling.
Reflecting on India’s performance, especially in the second inning, the batting display was shambolic. Many players threw away their wickets without showing the necessary application to bat on a challenging pitch. Social media is abuzz with criticism, with fans expressing disappointment at the lack of resilience shown by the Indian batters.
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The absence of stalwarts Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the current lineup has drawn attention. Both players, mainstays of the Indian Test team since 2014, were dropped this year due to a dip in form over the last two years. The decision, aimed at building a new long-term team, has left fans questioning whether their experience and stability could have made a difference in this challenging encounter.
SA vs IND: Fans Are Slamming BCCI For Not Picking Cheteshwar Pujara And Ajinkya Rahane
