IND vs SA 2021, First Test, Day 4, Centurion: Trailing by 130 runs, South Africa managed to get India all out on 174 runs. Thus getting a target of 305 runs. Chasing this target, the Indian bowling attack proved lethal dismissing four South African batters.
India are on a roll to win wherever they are going. And they are going on a stronghold to win the Centurion Test too. South Africa lacks the experience they need to hold their fortress.
Starting the day with India already one wicket down of Mayank Agarwal. They were soon two wickets down and then three and it kept going. A small partnership between every wicket helped India reach the 174 runs mark.
India chose a bold strategy of keeping the run rate flowing after Virat’s wicket. Ajinkya Rahane(20), Rishabh Pant(34), and Ravi Ashwin(14) played around the strike rate of 90. Pant played at 100.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were brilliant taking four wickets each. While the first innings hero Lungi Ngidi grabbed another two.
Plenty of play was left on the fourth day. The hosts had a choice to go for a win instead of the draw as the target of 305 is not that big and plenty of overs still remains.
However, the winning plan was put on hold by Mohammed Shami in just the second over as he sent Markram’s stumps flying.
The skipper was not cutting it loose in any situation and held his wicket firmly till the end of the day. His fighting half-century proves an obstacle to India’s victory.
Playing very well Keegan Petersen was caught behind from Siraj’s delivery and keeping their winning hope high. As the end of the day came near, Jasprit Bumrah struck twice to completely blow the host.
The nightman, Keshav Maharaja was sent was he too didn’t survive Bumrah’s lethal bullets.
England in Australia and South Africa in South Africa struggling to score runs. India is a heavy favorite to win this Test match but Bavuma, Elgar(52*), and De Kock can turn things around in no time.
