SA vs IND, 1st Test: India Teetering at 208/8, Rahul Rescues But Rabada Rules Day 1

Centurion: Rain and fading light conspired to cut short the first day of the opening Test between India and South Africa, leaving the visitors precariously perched at 208/8 with KL Rahul’s 70* the lone beacon in a shaky batting performance.

South Africa, who opted to bowl first on a damp Centurion pitch that had been under covers for over 40 hours, seized the opportunity thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s menacing spell. The pace ace ripped through India’s top order, claiming a stunning 5-wicket haul.

Despite the early wobble, Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31) staged a much-needed recovery, stitching together a patient 68-run partnership that steadied the ship. However, just as India seemed to be regaining momentum, Rabada struck again, dismissing Iyer shortly after lunch to leave the visitors in the doldrums once more.

KL Rahul then shouldered the responsibility, playing a gritty knock of 70* that featured flicks of his class and moments of dogged determination. He found able support from Shardul Thakur (24), but with wickets tumbling at the other end, a truly substantial total remained elusive.

Fans of both teams will be anxiously awaiting clearer skies and a brighter day of cricket tomorrow, with India desperate to add valuable runs to their fragile score on this notoriously tricky Centurion wicket.