Twitter Reactions: Dean Elgar's resolute 96* helps South Africa thump India by 7 wickets and draw level

In the end, it proved to be all too easy. South Africa started Day 4 still 122 runs away from the target set by India with 8 wickets in hand. There were talks about the overcast skies, and how they would help the Indian seamers. But in the end, the hosts romped home with ease, winning the second Test match with 7 wickets to spare.

Dean Elgar once again proved to be the thorn in the flesh of the Indian cricket team. The South African skipper was resolute in his stay out in the middle, and thwarted the Indian bowling attack, scoring a magnificent 96*.

Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen score briskly for the Proteas

Resuming the day at 118/2, both Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen started the day in a positive fashion for South Africa. Both batters were severe on any loose delivery bowled by the Indian bowlers and added 57 runs in just 14 overs.

However, just when it seemed as if the Elgar-van der Dussen duo would run away with the game, Mohammed Shami struck to offer a ray of hope for India and removed van der Dussen. Shami bowled a delivery that pitched on a good length and nipped away a fraction, and van der Dussen was caught in two minds.

In the end, the right-handed batter edged the delivery, and Cheteshwar Pujara accepted the offering in the slip cordon. Van der Dussen departed for 40.

However, Temba Bavuma and Dean Elgar ensured that there were no more hiccups, and the South African side cantered home with ease. Bavuma scored a handy 23* off 45 deliveries for the hosts. So, we will go to Cape Town, with the series level at 1-1.

Here are the reactions from Twitter

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— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) January 6, 2022

Very good win proteas✅ 👏👏

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) January 6, 2022

2022…it’s only the first week and it’s already looking like a great year for Tests. ✌️

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 6, 2022

South Africa breach India's fortress, i.e. Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in South Africa. 😱 #SAvIND #CricketTwitter

— Arun Gopalakrishnan (@statanalyst) January 6, 2022

Highest successful Test run chases against India:
342-8 by Australia at Perth, 1977
276-5 by West Indies at Delhi, 1987
243-3 by South Africa at Johannesburg, 2022

— Andrew Samson (@AWSStats) January 6, 2022

Test cricket needed southafrica to win 🇿🇦 #SAvsIND immense character shown 🏏

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) January 6, 2022

Silver lining for cricket in Rainbow nation. Significant win. Some Mark Boucher-like fight. Elgar is yet to be dismissed in a fourth innings.
Super series. #SAvIND

— Arani Basu (@AraniBasuTOI) January 6, 2022

Just the fourth time a team has chased down a 200+ target successfully at the Wanderers. Brilliant from SA. Also beaten India at this venue for the first time. #SAvIND

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) January 6, 2022

Bangladesh beat New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
South Africa beat India at Wanderers.
England openers surviving a passage of play.

Test cricket off to a cracking start in 2022.#SAvsInd

— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) January 6, 2022

Leading from the front #deanelgar! the tone is set for Newlands. #INDvsSA

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) January 6, 2022

What a response from SA. Elgar’s the real deal, made of steel. Big confidence booster for a team in transition. India’s fought hard but will need more from the batters. Bowlers won’t create magic every single time. Cape Town test promises to be a treat .. #INDvsSA

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 6, 2022

Chasing 240, against a fine attack on a very tricky wicket to win by 7 wickets – that's an outstanding victory by South Africa. At 1-1 with a decider to come, all set up to be a classic series

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) January 6, 2022

Sometimes you just have to doff off your hat and say well played. Huge respect for Elgar. Was stranded on 86* as SA lost from a winning position at Joburg last time. This time gets his team home. Really admire his 'over my dead body' attitude. Take a bow Elgar and SA 🙌🏻 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/opjqpGF5fG

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 6, 2022

Great chase from South Africa at the @WanderersZA test cricket at its best!

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) January 6, 2022

Leading from the front #deanelgar! the tone is set for Newlands. #INDvsSA

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) January 6, 2022

YES please!
Congrats men!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 6, 2022

What a win! So good, for a team that desperately needed it.
Congrats to SA.
Awesome chase. Admirable resolve.#SAvIND#NewYearsTest#firsttimeatthewanderers
#1-1 #salute

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) January 6, 2022

You gotta feel for Shardul Thakur💔

📸: Disney+Hotstar#India #SouthAfrica #SAvIND #ShardulThakur pic.twitter.com/l7TQb9HaAh

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 6, 2022

That’s us right there 🤌🏾🤌🏾

— Andile Phehlukwayo (@andileluck19) January 6, 2022