5 Classic encounters between India and South Africa

3. 3rd Test at Cape Town, Jan 2-6 2007

The series was locked at 1-1 and the New Year Test was nicely set up for a decider. Wasim Jaffer struck a brilliant century with other batsmen revolving around him as India posted 414 in their first innings which was considered above-par on the ground. Anil Kumble led the bowling attack for India and sneaked in a crucial lead of 41 runs by bundling out South Africa for just 373 runs. India had a great chance to be in the ascendancy and set up a stiff ask for the hosts in the decider.

But very few expected the action that unfolded thereafter. India’s second innings woes came to the fore as they crumbled under pressure and could only muster 169 runs with Dale Steyn spitting venom. The Proteas had almost more than two sessions in hand to chase down the target of 211 runs and they did it with ease winning the game by five wickets. Though Zaheer Khan tried to turn things around with four wickets, it was too little too late for the visitors as their collapse in the second led to a series loss for them.