In a stunning display of dominance, South Africa clinched a commanding win against India at their Centurion fortress, wrapping up the game within three days and securing their first points in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
With a resounding victory by an innings and 32 runs on Day 3, the Proteas now lead the championship with a perfect 100% win percentage. The South African bowlers wreaked havoc on Indian batters on a pitch tailored for their versatile pace attack. The hosts dominated the visitors by putting up a lead of 145 runs and ensuring the need to not bat again.
India’s hope to continue the momentum from the previous day’s two was swiftly thrashed on Day 3, courtesy of a formidable 111-run partnership between Elgar and Marco Jansen. Although Elgar’s departure just 15 runs shy of a double-century provided India with a momentary respite, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled rapidly, leaving Jansen stranded at 84.
Carrying a decent lead of 163-run les, the visitors faced a daunting task to stay in the game. However, the relentless South African pacers proved too formidable, claiming India’s openers within the first six overs.
Despite Shubman Gill’s promising innings, he succumbed to Jansen before tea, triggering a cascade of wickets in the post-break session. Virat Kohli fought a lone battle to secure his fifty, but India eventually got bowled out for 131, with Kohli contributing 76 runs as the final wicket.
India & South Africa will now lock horns for the second Test in Cape Town starting on January 3, 2024.
