Centurion: India were thrashed by an innings and 32 runs inside three days by South Africa in the opening Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Thursday.
South Africa rode on Dean Elgar’s 185 and Marco Jansen’s 72* to post a mammoth 408 in their first innings. In reply, India were bundled out for a paltry 121 in their second innings, with only Virat Kohli (76) offering some resistance.
The defeat dealt a huge blow to India’s hopes of winning a maiden Test series in South Africa.
South Africa Batting Dominates
South Africa got off to a solid start after being put in to bat, with Elgar and Elgar putting on a 100-run opening stand. Elgar went on to score a magnificent 185, while Jansen chipped in with a valuable 72*.
The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the South African batsmen, with Kagiso Rabada taking four wickets and Marco Jansen picking up three.
India’s Collapse in Second Innings
India started their second innings disastrously, losing both openers Rohit Sharma (0) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) cheaply. Shubman Gill (26) showed some fight, but he was soon dismissed by Marco Jansen.
Virat Kohli was the lone warrior for India, scoring a fighting 76. However, he lacked support from the other end, and India were eventually bowled out for a mere 121.
A Day to Forget for India
The defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for India, who had started the year well with victories in England and Australia. However, their batting woes returned to haunt them in South Africa.
The bowlers also failed to live up to expectations, with Jasprit Bumrah the only bright spot with four wickets.
Kohli Fifty a Consolation Prize
Virat Kohli’s fifty was the only positive for India on a disappointing day. The former captain looked in good touch and played some delightful strokes. However, his fifty was ultimately in vain as India slumped to a heavy defeat.
What’s Next?
The second Test between India and South Africa will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from January 3 to 7. India will need to bounce back quickly if they are to salvage anything from the series.
Here are some of the key points from the match:
- Dean Elgar scored 185 for South Africa.
- Marco Jansen scored 72* for South Africa.
- Kagiso Rabada took four wickets for South Africa.
- Virat Kohli scored 76 for India.
- India were bowled out for 121 in their second innings.
- South Africa won by an innings and 32 runs.
