Image: Johannesburg Test. Image credit: Facebook/Cricket South Africa
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Johannesburg/IBNS: Skipper Dean Elgar anchored the South African run-chase effectively to lead his team to earn a comprehensive victory over India by seven wickets here on Thursday, leveling the series (1-1) with one match to go.
With 34 overs in hand in rain-marred day five, South Africa collected the remaining 122 runs needed in style as Elgar played a captain’s knock of unbeaten 96 off 118 balls.
Leaving no chance for the toiling Indian bowlers on the last day of the match, Rassie van der Dussen (40 off 92 balls) and Temba Bavuma (unbeaten 23 off 45 balls) played around Elgar to help South Africa march to the victory.
The hosts ended up scoring 243/3.
Commenting on the win, Elgar said, “We ticked all boxes to end up winning today.”
“It wasn’t easy. We had to face tough conditions. At some times, Indian batters were on top of us… Getting 20 wickets was a great feat,” added the skipper.
Batting has remained the point of worry for India in the match with the visitors getting little support from the middle order in both innings.
Rishabh Pant’s dismissal while going for a big shot at a crucial time in the second innings has already been heavily criticized by cricket legend and commentator, Sunil Gavaskar.
KL Rahul, who led India in absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, feels the short of runs in the first innings as one of the reasons behind their defeat.
Speaking on his team’s performance in the post-match presentation, Rahul said, “We feel like winning every test match. We go out and try to play our brand of cricket.”
“Little bit disappointing (result) but credits to South Africa for the way they played,” he added.
The third and final Test will be played in Cape Town from Jan 11 to 15.
