India has claimed a seven-wicket victory in one of the strangest Test matches in recent history, successfully chasing down the target of 79 just after lunch on day two.
Taking just 642 balls, India’s win was the quickest result in Test match history, the previous record held by Australia’s win over South Africa in 1932 (656 balls bowled).
South African batting consultant Ashwell Prince had declared “there was something wrong” after an extraordinary 23 wickets fell on the first day of the second Test.
The hosts were bowled out for 55 and began day two at 3-62, still trailing India by 36 runs with opener Aiden Markram not out for 36.
Watch India’s Tour of South Africa LIVE and Exclusive to Fox Sports available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
And the pace continued on Thursday, with only Markram standing up for the hosts, smashing a 99-ball century – with the assistance of a drop on 71 by KL Rahul.
Markram defied a pitch which has given inordinate help to the bowlers and on which the highest score of any of his teammates in either innings was 15.
He hit 17 fours and two sixes, one of which, off Prasidh Krishna, sailed out of the ground and onto a railway line beyond square leg.
MATCH CENTRE: India vs South Africa second Test scorecard and more
The 29-year-old was finally out caught at mid-off by Indian captain Rohit Sharma off Mohammed Siraj attempting another big hit. Jasprit Bumrah took six for 61.
Having lost six wickets for no runs on Wednesday, India avoided a similar disaster in their second innings, belting 11 runs off the opening over alone to reach the target in just 12 overs, finishing 3-80.
Yashasvi Jaiswal understood the assignment as he blasted six fours on route to 28 off 23 deliveries.
It was just the 25th Test match to be completed inside two days all-time, and the first since Australia’s win over South Africa at the Gabba last summer.
It was also India’s first ever win at Newlands and sees the series finish as a 1-1 tie.
Discussion about this post