SA vs IND: South Africa awarded five penalty runs as ball hits helmet after Cheteshwar Pujara drops catch

The ongoing third Test match between India and South Africa is proceeding like a rollercoaster. India looked on the backseat after posting a paltry-looking 223 while batting first in Cape Town. However, fall of early wickets brought the visiting team back in the hunt. However, a half-century from Keegan Petersen again tilted the momentum in South Africa’s favour.

At 138/4, the game was hanging in balance and Temba Bavuma was new to the crease. In-form pacer Shardul Thakur created a wicket-taking opportunity and almost dismissed Bavuma cheaply. However, Cheteshwar Pujara, standing at first slip, couldn’t hold onto the ball and the Proteas batter got a lifeline. Adding salt to India’s misery, the ball rolled onto Rishabh Pant’s helmet, which was placed behind the wicketkeeper.

Temba Bavuma received a lifeline 

Hence, South Africa were rewarded five penalty runs. The Indian players were visibly upset as the gaffe might have turned out to be costly for them. Meanwhile, it was a short delivery from Shardul outside the off-stump. Bavuma’s eyes lit up after seeing the width as he went for a slash. However, he could manage an outside edge. Pujara tried to dive across but couldn’t hang on to the ball.

Bavuma, however, couldn’t make much utilization of the opportunity and got out after scoring 28. He fell prey to Mohammed Shami. On the other hand, Kyle Verreynne bagged a duck and India bounced back in the contest. Now, this is what you call Test cricket at its best. It must be noted that stakes are incredibly high in the contest.

With the series being poised at 1-1, this ongoing Test is a decider and both teams are looking determined to earn a favourable result. Notably, the rainbow nation is the only country where India are yet to record to Test series win. Hence, Virat Kohli’s men have a chance to script history.

Speaking of how India’s first innings panned out, skipper Virat Kohli stood out and slammed a magnificent 79. He, however, didn’t receive much support from the other end and eventually fell prey to Kagiso Rabada. However, Kohli would be pretty happy with the way his bowlers have responded.