SA vs IND, 2nd Test, Review: South Africa trounce India by 135 runs and seal the series

The visitors never looked to put up a fight as the batsmen threw their wickets away.

Published - 17 Jan 2018, 16:02 IST | Updated - 17 Jan 2018, 16:02 IST

2 Min Read

The fifth and final day of the second Test match between India and South Africa began with a glimmer of hope for the visitors. They were down and out at 35/3 on the fourth day itself as their skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed by the debutant Lungi Ngidi. The hosts also believed that they had India on the mat with the wicket of their main man. However, it was all down to Cheteshwar Pujara to steer the team through on a tough surface.

The overnight duo of Parthiv Patel and Pujara had a job on their hands on the fifth morning as the four-pronged pace attack of South Africa were breathing fire. They started positively by going for runs and not only defending. Just when it felt they were looking comfortable in the middle, an absolute madness sunk in as the duo went for the third run taking on the throw of AB de Villiers. Pujara was found short by just though as he had to go back to the dressing room and with him all the hopes were shattered for India.

Procession continues

The wicket of their most dependable batsman broke the hearts of the Indian fans as the wickets kept on falling. It was Parthiv who was to follow the next as he pulled the bouncer of Kagiso Rabada which was caught by Morne Morkel excellently. Hardik Pandya and R Ashwin joined him in the Indian camp soon as the visitors were on the brink at 87/7.

Then came the partnership of Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami who saved their team the blushes and took them past the three-figures. Though they were never going to threaten and only delayed the inevitable. Sharma was the next one to be dismissed as he scored a decent knock of 47. Shami also supported him well for his 28 off just 24 deliveries. Jasprit Bumrah was the last man to go as he lobbed up a harmless delivery as India were bowled out for just 151 as the hosts won by a massive 135 runs.

Lungi Ngidi was the hero for the home side as he scalped six wickets in the second innings on his debut. Even Rabada was amongst the wickets as he snaffled three of the opposition batters. An excellent outing for South Africa has been completed as they have gunned down the number 1 Test team in the World with one more game to go. They would love to whitewash the visitors as India would play for pride at the Wanderers.