After the drubbing defeat in the first Test at the Cape Town, India continued with their unusual selection choice when they once again ignored Ajinkya Rahane for the 2nd Test. They surprisingly dropped Bhuvneshwar Kumar from the side and replaced him with lanky Ishant Sharma. Dhawan was replaced by KL Rahul while Parthiv Patel replaced injured Wriddhiman Saha. Faf du Plessis opted to bat first after winning the toss. They had replaced injured Dale Steyn with debutant Lungi Ngidi.
Markram and Amla show
Unlike the first Test, the openers provided a decent start. Dean Elgar was troubled by Ashwin who eventually removed the opener to give India the breakthrough. Aiden Markram continued his vigil with Hashim Amla and completed his half-century. Amla too looked in great touch during his innings. Ashwin who bowled more than 30 overs on the first day sent Markram just 6 short of his hundred to the pavilion while Pandya’s brilliance in the field sent Amla packing for 82. South Africa clicked the panic button as they lost Amla, De Kock and Philander in the span of 14 deliveries.
Debutant Lungi Ngidi’s sixer blows India away
On day 2, Du Plessis batted with the tail to complete his fighting half-century and put the hosts in a good position. They were bowled out for 335 runs.
Virat Kohli show
India’s two wickets were back to the pavilion with the scorecard reading just 28 but Kohli showed intent from the ball 1 and along with Pujara steadied the ship for India with his half-century. India lost three quick wickets at the fag end of the day with Vijay, Rohit Sharma and Parthiv Patel back to the pavilion.
Kohli completed his 21st Test century as he continued to take India closer to the South African total. Poor running technique cost Pandya his wicket when he didn’t drag his bat on the ground. Kohli batting with tail scored his 150 and took India’s score to 307 before getting out as the last Indian batsmen.
De Villiers and Elgar’s crucial partnership
Bumrah provided India early breakthrough when he removed Amla and Markram within 6 overs of the innings. Thunderstorm and rain arrived to cut the day short as AB de Villiers along with opener Elgar steered the lead ahead.
De Villiers completed his half-century and put the side in a commanding position with Dean Elgar who too completed his fighting half-century. The 141-run stand between the two was broken by Mohammed Shami. He removed 3 Proteas batsman in his 5 overs to get India back in the game. Skipper Du Plessis then scored a useful 50 with the tail before getting out. South Africa’s second inning ended with 258 runs and India had to chase 287 to win the game.
Debutant Ngidi’s sixer blows India away
India’s run chase was dented early as both the openers departed early. Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by debutant Ngidi as he picked his second wicket to have India reeling 35 for 3 at the end of day 4.
Pujara ran out himself for the second time in the Test to early on the 5th day. Rohit Sharma along with Shami delayed the South African batting but no other Indian batsmen had answers of Lungi Ngidi’s terrific spell as India was folded out for 100 runs, losing the game and eventually the series 2-0 with 1 game to be played at Johannesburg.
Tags: 2nd Test, India, Lungi Ngidi, South Africa, Test Match, Virat Kohli
