CAPE TOWN: A stunning turn of events on the first day of the second Test at Newlands saw India losing their last six wickets for no runs in just 11 balls after bowling out South Africa for 55. The collapse unfolded after India had reached a seemingly strong position at 153 for four, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul anchoring the innings.
The turning point came when Lungi Ngidi dismissed Rahul, sparking a rapid collapse with Ngidi claiming two more wickets in the same over. Kagiso Rabada then removed Kohli in the next over, contributing to a sudden and unexpected downturn in India’s fortunes. Mohammed Siraj was run out, and Prasidh Kumar was caught at second slip, completing a remarkable sequence of events.
Earlier in the day, South Africa faced a devastating bowling display from Mohammed Siraj, who took a career-best six for 15. The hosts were bowled out for 55, marking their lowest total in almost 92 years.
As the dust settled on an action-packed day, the match situation revealed that India holds a lead of 98 runs on the first innings.
South Africa’s Collapse Against India
Earlier, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj led a devastating attack on the South African batting lineup, orchestrating their collapse to a mere 55 runs before lunch.
Siraj, in a career-defining performance, got a remarkable six wickets for just 15 runs, bowling relentlessly for nine consecutive overs as South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly. The hosts’ total marked their lowest since the 1931/32 series against Australia when they were dismissed for 36 and 45.
Stand-in South African captain Dean Elgar, playing in his final Test, had emphasized the importance of a strong start for his team, defending a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. However, it was India that dominated the morning session on a pitch offering considerable bounce and seam movement.
Siraj’s mastery of the conditions was evident as none of the South African batters found comfort against his relentless deliveries. The collapse began when he dismissed Aiden Markram for two runs in his second over, followed by the crucial wicket of Captain Elgar for four in the next.
Jasprit Bumrah joined the onslaught, claiming the wicket of debutant Tristan Stubbs for three before Siraj returned to take four more wickets. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to continue with Siraj paid off as the fast bowler dismissed David Bedingham (12) and Marco Jansen (0) in his eighth over.
Siraj’s exceptional spell concluded with the dismissal of top-scorer Kyle Verreynne, who managed 15 runs before falling victim to the relentless bowler in the ninth over.
Brief Scores of South Africa and India
South Africa 55 in 23.2 overs (J. Bumrah 2-25, Mohammed Siraj 6-15, M. Kumar 2-0).
India 153 in 34.5 overs (R. Sharma 39, S. Gill 36, V. Kohli 46; K. Rabada 3-38, L. Ngidi 3-30, N. Burger 3-42).
