Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja claimed his second wicket of South Africa’s second innings with support from wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, removing Wiaan Mulder during the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Standing in for Shubman Gill, Pant took a sharp catch that further pushed the Proteas into trouble on a challenging surface on Saturday, November 15.
South Africa were already under pressure after beginning their second innings. Earlier in the day, their bowlers had dragged them back into the contest by dismissing India for 189, giving the hosts only a small lead. However, India hit back by striking just before Tea and then tightening their grip in the final session.
With both openers back in the pavilion, the visitors slipped deeper into trouble when Jadeja outsmarted Wiaan Mulder. The batter had appeared settled, even striking a boundary off Jadeja in the previous over. But on the third ball of the 17th over, Mulder was beaten by a delivery that gripped, turned, and bounced sharply.
The extra bounce caught his glove, and Rishabh Pant reacted instantly to pull off a superb reflex catch, completing the dismissal. You can watch the video here:
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/h1bYlkya
Mulder had also fallen to spin in the first innings, where Kuldeep Yadav pinned him LBW for 24 on Day 1 of the Test.
Ravindra Jadeja Dismantles South Africa’s Top Order In 1st Test
The experienced spinner struck again just two balls after removing Mulder, dismissing Tony de Zorzi as well. The left-hander fell to a soft dismissal, with the extra bounce once more causing trouble, allowing Dhruv Jurel to take an easy catch at short leg.
South Africa slumped to 40-4 after 17 overs as left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav dominated proceedings. At the time of writing, Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma are trying to steady the innings, holding on to a narrow lead of 24 runs.
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