Virat Kohli-led Team India breached South Africa’s fortress, Centurion, and kicked off the three-match Test series with a big 113-run win on the final day of the game. The visitors were just 6 wickets away from the win after the end of day 4 and only needed just over 1 session to complete the win.
KL Rahul was the star performer with the bat and scored 146 runs across two innings while Mohammed Shami shone with the ball and scalped 8 wickets.
As Team India registered a comprehensive win, the Twitterati lauded the team for great achievement. “Superb bowling by an attack that can pick 20 wickets in a Test match anywhere in the world. Congratulations to #TeamIndia on a convincing victory! #SAvIND,” wrote India great Sachin Tendulkar.
“Began the year withgreat resilience at Sydney, followed by an incredible win at the Gabba, the Lord’s win was special and India end the year with a brilliant win at the Centurion. Has been a brilliant Test Match year for Team India. Congratulations on a wonderful win #INDvsSA,” wrote VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy. Check out some other reactions to Team India’s win –
The fixture had started on a positive note for Team India as openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal added 117 runs for the first wicket. Ajinkya Rahane also played his part and scored a crucial 48 in the first innings as India scored a big total of 327.
Shami spearheaded the pace and took a five-for to dismiss SA for 197. The Indian batters struggled in the 2nd innings and put up a total of 174.
Chasing a huge target of 305 in the 4th innings was never going to be easy and it turned out to be, SA were dismissed for 191, losing the game by 113 runs.
With this win, India have gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and is just a win away from registering their first-ever Test series win in the rainbow nation. The 2nd Test of the series will be played from January 3 to 7 in Johannesburg.