SA vs IND, 2nd Test: India Beat South Africa By 7 Wickets in Shortest Test Match in History, Draw Series

Cape Town: In a historic Test match that saw records tumble and nerves fray, India clawed their way back from a first-innings collapse to clinch a thrilling seven-wicket victory over South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. This triumph not only levels the two-match series but also marks several milestones for the Men in Blue.

With this win, Rohit Sharma becomes only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to avoid a Test series defeat in South Africa, a testament to his resolute leadership in a testing away series. Notably, this was also India’s maiden Test victory in Cape Town, adding another feather to their already impressive cap.

The match went down as the shortest Test with a result in terms of overs bowled, clocking in at a mere 107.1 overs. The previous record of 109.2 overs, set in 1932, couldn’t withstand the rapid-fire action witnessed in Cape Town. Day 1 itself was a whirlwind, with a staggering 23 wickets falling, making it a truly unique spectacle.

Mohammed Siraj led the Indian charge with a career-best six-wicket haul, decimating South Africa’s batting lineup and restricting them to a paltry 55, their lowest post-apartheid score. While Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a stable start, Virat Kohli’s 46 pushed India past 150. However, a dramatic collapse triggered by Lungi Ngidi saw India lose their last six wickets for no runs, adding a thrilling twist to the first innings.

Playing his final international match, Dean Elgar received a warm farewell from both teams before departing early in South Africa’s second innings. Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah then took centre stage, claiming crucial wickets to leave the hosts struggling at 62/3 at the end of Day 1.

On Day 2, Bumrah turned the tide with a sensational five-wicket haul, showcasing his lethal pace and swing. However, Aiden Markram emerged as a lone warrior for South Africa, scoring a magnificent century despite the wickets tumbling around him. Markram’s defiance gave the Proteas a glimmer of hope before Prasidh Krishna and Bumrah wrapped up the innings, setting India a target of 79.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma wasted no time in the final innings, launching a blistering attack on the South African bowlers. Jaiswal’s aggressive 28 set the tone, while Rohit anchored the chase with a steady 17. After Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli’s departures, Shreyas Iyer provided able support as India cruised to victory within 12 overs, completing a remarkable comeback.

With the series drawn, India now gears up for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home starting January 11. South Africa, meanwhile, will head to New Zealand for a two-Test series against the Black Caps.