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South Africa Secures Dominant Victory, Defeating India by an Innings and 32 Runs in First Test

South Africa asserted their dominance in the opening test against India, sealing a comprehensive victory by an innings and 32 runs at Centurion. The home side’s bowling unit, spearheaded by the impressive debutant Nandre Burger, dismantled the Indian batting order, limiting them to a mere 131 runs in the second innings. Amidst the collapse, Virat Kohli stood tall, contributing 76 runs in a valiant effort.

The destructive bowling performance commenced from the first ball of India’s second innings, where a potential wicket was missed when Aiden Markram dropped an edge from Yashasvi Jaiswal off Kagiso Rabada. However, Rabada quickly made amends by dismissing India’s captain Rohit Sharma in the same over. Subsequently, Burger claimed Jaiswal’s wicket, leaving India reeling at 5-2.

Shubman Gill offered a brief resistance, scoring 26 runs, but Marco Jansen dismissed him to leave India struggling at 62-3 during tea. Kohli fought admirably, but wickets continued to tumble in the final session. Jansen removed Shreyas Iyer, and Burger took two wickets in successive balls, including the prized scalp of KL Rahul.

Here are some twitter reactions:

https://twitter.com/SamiaTazmimOrin/status/1740556272024625397?t=rtmkTbjU1z1Yh2xQQTL6Bw&s=19

The Indian innings saw a dramatic conclusion with Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal after a South African review, and Kohli’s departure marked the end of a riveting contest. This victory ensures South Africa’s unblemished record against India in Test series at home, making them the sole nation where India has not won an away series. The intensity of the match was mirrored in Kohli’s dismissal, brilliantly caught by Rabada in the deep.

Earlier in the day, South Africa, starting with an 11-run lead at 256-6, saw Dean Elgar extend his score from 140 to 185 in a crucial partnership with Marco Jansen. Their 111-run collaboration for the sixth wicket set the stage for South Africa’s commanding position. Jansen, with an unbeaten 84, achieved his highest test score. The focus now shifts to the second test at Newlands in Cape Town from Jan. 3-7.


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