Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier pacer, played a pivotal role on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, securing a remarkable six-wicket haul in the first session. Aiden Markram fought valiantly for the Proteas, scoring a century, but they were eventually bowled out for 176. In pursuit of the 79-run target, Rohit Sharma’s team chased it down with ease, clinching a 7-wicket victory and levelling the series 1-1. This historic win at Cape Town, India’s first ever, coincided with Dean Elgar’s farewell test.
The first day of the New Year’s Test witnessed a staggering 23 wickets fall. Mohammed Siraj, with a career-best 6-15, dismantled the Proteas in the first session, setting the stage for India’s dominance. However, India faced their own collapse in the second innings after tea, as Lungi Ngidi’s triple-wicket maiden, complemented by Kagiso Rabada’s two wickets, restricted them to 153.
Nandre Burger, contributing with three wickets before tea, played a crucial role in keeping South Africa in the contest. Despite a resilient fightback from the hosts, Rohit Sharma’s side managed to limit them to 62-3 in 17 overs by the end of Day 1. South Africa’s stand-in skipper, Elgar, faced dismissal twice on the opening day.
In South Africa’s second innings, Indian pacers Mukesh Kumar, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Bumrah combined to take ten wickets. This victory marked India as the first Asian team to triumph at Cape Town. Overall, Rohit Sharma’s Team India demonstrated dominance, putting them in a commanding position to win the second Test.
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