(Info4now, January 14, 2022)- With a terrific turnaround South Africa beat India by seven wickets at Newlands, Cape Town and sweep the series 2-1. So South Africa keep India waiting for a maiden test series win at their backyard. With 212 to win, South Africa start Day 4 of IND vs SA 3rd Test contest with 101-2 and chase down the remaining runs in the afternoon session.
On winning the toss India got all out for 223 in the first innings riding on a terrific knock of 79 from captain Kohli. A happy South African team hoped to get past that score, but the top class bowling from Indian seamers stopped them in 210. India lost their in-form openers very quickly; but looked good at the end of Day 2, being ahead with 70 run lead.
An Eventful Day 3: IND vs SA 3rd Test
With 70 runs ahead in the second innings, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli started the third day’s play. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane got out just adding 1 run to the overnight score. With their departure, India’s middle order just got shattered. India must be unhappy for not risking their exclusion. We expected Hanuma Vihari in the middle and I think, there will be no hesitation after this series on this issue. A rejuvenated Virat Kohli again started denying South African attack and built a fantastic partnership with Rishabh Pant who scored a fine century.
South Africa with the ball were very patient and broke the dangerous partnership first and then blew away the tail-enders. India got out for 198 and set the target of 212, thanks to 13 run lead in the first innings. Aiden Markram was positive at the start but got trapped at slip cordon off one of Shami’s unplayable deliveries. Dean Elgar got out in the final delivery of Day 3 with 111 more to score on Day 4.
To Conclude
Starting freshly on Day 4, India had every chance to take three or four wickets in the first session. Taking the pressure of a chase as a tough one for an inexperienced batting line-up, India could have bowled South Africa out with an outstanding bowling unit. But Keegan Petersen and Rassie Van der Dussen were just adamant. They played beautifully and continued denying any temptation from the seamers.