Rohit Sharma became the first Indian captain to win in Cape Town as they thrashed South Africa by 8 wickets in the 2nd Test match that finished on 4th January 2024. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit made mistakes in both tests.
Rohit Sharma bought Mukesh Kumar into the attack along with Jasprit Bumrah. Aiden Markram took charge and played attacking shots while Bumrah looked threatening picking 5 wickets. Siraj bowled just one over during the morning session. He was bought again and got rid of centurion Aiden Markram who ended innings for South Africa.
“Rohit Sharma is still among the last of the old-school Test batters. Only he can tell us how much Test cricket he wants to play. I think if he wants to extend his Test career, there will be no competition. Virat Kohli, I feel will play as long as possible and thankfully for us. This tour in tough conditions just the difference between him and the next best Test batter India has at least until Rishabh Pant is back,” he added.
It was a dream spell by Mohammed Siraj picking up 6 for 15 in 9 overs along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar picking 2 wickets each to bowl out South Africa for a paltry total of 55 runs in the first session itself.
India looked in a comfortable situation after the tea break at 153 for 4 but lost six wickets without adding any runs to be bowled out for 153. Virat Kohli was the top scorer with 46 while Rohit Sharma 39, and Shubman Gill 36 were the main contributors.
Mukesh Kumar 2 wickets while Bumrah 1 wicket helped India reduce South Africa to 62 for 3 at the end of day 1. Jasprit Bumrah ran through the host’s batting lineup picking 6 for 61 in 13.5 overs while Aiden Markram scored a fighting century. India set a target of 79 runs in the 4th innings.
Chasing down 79 runs to win, Yashavi Jaiswal scored quickfire 28 while Gill and Virat Kohli fell. Shreyas Iyer hit the winning runs and registered their first-ever Test victory in Cape Town after a gap of 31 years.
Mohammed Siraj was named the player of the match award for 6 for 15. The first test match was won by South Africa with a margin of an innings and 32 runs at Centurion.
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