[WATCH]- KL Rahul Falls For 39 To A Brilliant Delivery From Keshav Maharaj In IND vs SA 1st Test

KL Rahul missed the chance to convert his start into a bigger score after Aiden Markram pulled off a superb catch on Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, November 15. The right-hander appeared well-set but ended up guiding one straight to first slip. He was dismissed for 39 off 119 deliveries, which included one six and four fours.

The wicket fell in the 40th over of India’s first innings. Keshav Maharaj delivered a length ball that pitched on the crack outside off stump. It spun away towards the fourth-stump channel, leaving Rahul uncertain whether to leave it or play off the back foot. The ball found the edge and travelled low towards Markram, who managed to get his fingers under it to complete a clean catch.

Rahul stood his ground briefly before the TV umpire confirmed the decision. You can watch the video here:

https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/21qQkiqY

SA Strike Twice Before Lunch, Removing Rahul And Sundar

South Africa’s spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, struck crucial blows by removing KL Rahul and Washington Sundar (27), respectively, helping the visitors regain control in the first Test. Their momentum continued as Corbin Bosch dismissed Rishabh Pant for 27 off 24 balls.

Pant attempted an aggressive approach with two sixes but couldn’t stay at the crease for long. India skipper Shubman Gill also retired hurt after scoring four runs from three balls. At Lunch, India stood at 138/4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel at the crease.

Earlier on Day 1, Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul had helped bowl out South Africa for 159. Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav contributed with two wickets each. The Proteas struggled throughout their innings, losing wickets regularly after an opening stand of 57 between Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton (23).

India have not lost a Test to South Africa since 2010 and have remained unbeaten in a Test series against them since the 1999/00 tour.

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