The Shortest Test Match
Just 4 and a half sessions of cricket, 33 wickets, 106.2 overs, 464 runs and the shortest completed Test Match. As bizarre as it may sound, the stats are true. India the better side in this Test became the first Asian Nation to win a Test Match at Cape Town and drew the series 1-1, bringing a successful Indian campaign in the Rainbow Nation to a close.
The Wynberg Minefield at Newlands
A minefield of a pitch was laid at Newlands with a deceitful exterior. Dean Elgar won the toss, miss read the pitch completely and opted to bat with glee, totally unaware of the mayhem which was to follow. Bumrah took the ball from the Kelvin Grove End, while Siraj started from the Wynberg End. Apart from the seam movement which one gets at Newlands, the ball began to kick and fly from a good length spot, particularly when bowling from the Wynberg End.
Siraj Nails It For Good
Siraj was in the groove. He bowled the perfect length at Newlands with amazing consistency and the pitch did the rest. He was unleashed so to say on the Proteas, bowling 12 overs on the trot and accounting for 6 SA scalps in the bargain. Siraj had wrecked the SA batting and they simply capitulated for an unbelievable 55 runs, their lowest total since re-admission to International Cricket. Just bizarre. The hazardous pitch with its venomous bounce was unforgiving. The Siraj spell ensured that the match was sealed for good.
A Bizarre Collapse
India too had to face the same pitch, but with such a low score facing them, they came out with the right strategy to attack, led by captain Rohit who played some lovely drives. SA’s first innings score was easily lapped up and at 153/4, with Virat and Rahul at the crease, India was sitting pretty. But then again, the bizarre happened. India lost 6 wickets in 11 balls with 0 runs and were 153 all out. Ngidi and Rabada making the ball talk. Though the turn of events was extraordinary, India still had a good 98-run lead, which on the wearing pitch was a mountain to climb.
Bumrah Mayhem Amidst An Aiden Delight
Bumrah came from the Wynberg end and ripped the life out of the SA batting in a brilliant display of fast bowling. India were pushing for an innings win, but then again, the tide turned with Aiden Markram playing the innings of his life. A belligerent hundred in a stormy park threatened to take the game away from India, but a shot too many saw Aiden fall and with him culminated the SA innings. An innings like this on a treacherous pitch has elevated Aiden Markram’s stature in International Cricket without an iota of doubt.
Plucky India
With just 79 to get, India made quick work with 7 wickets in the hut and registered a terrific victory within 2 days, in a historic match at Newlands, Cape Town. The win is an indication of India’s bowling might ( Mukesh Kumar too had a good debut ) and that they are no longer feeble travellers.
The Indian juggernaut rolls on.
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Featured Image : Miyan ‘ Siraj ‘ Magic
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