When hosts lost the final wicket of the first innings at 197 runs it has summed their batting abilities. South Africa needs the miracle from here to save the test match. Under the captaincy of Dean Elgar, Lungi Nigidi and Kagiso Rabada had taken 7 wickets under 55 runs on day 3 morning.
After the play resumed, with KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane on the crease, team India had hopes of getting at least 400 runs in the first innings. But the wicket of KL Rahul had just turned around things for the team. First Rahul and then Ajinkya Rahane left his side in trouble after the great Start.
Even lower order couldn’t be persisted and lost momentum in the period. With the advantage of home conditions, South Africa needed a brilliant start to lay the foundation. But in the first over, Dean Elgar was caught out. Except for Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma, there was hardly a handy partnership in the host’s scoreboard. Both players had added 72 runs for that 5th wicket. Quinton de Kock was looking confident before Shradul Thakur cleaned up his stumps to provide another dent to hosts.
After South Africa lost the last 5 wickets under the score of 97 runs, their scoreboard reads 197 runs in the first innings. Only Temba Bavuma (52) contributed with half a century for the team.
India pacer Mohammad Shami picked up 5 for 44 runs in 16 overs including 5 maidens. Visitors got the crucial lead of 130 runs in the first innings and they were confident their openers once again.
But solid-looking Mayank Agarwal (4) was sent back by Marco Jansen to provide the first breakthrough to the team. Visitors stump at 16/1 on day 3 with two more days to go in the test match.
