As anticipated, the Boxing Day test match saw a pause in play due to rain, coupled with a top-order collapse in the Indian batting lineup. The scorecard, however, witnessed resurgence thanks to notable performances by KL Rahul and Rabada.
The excitement was, unfortunately, tempered by rain, forcing the suspension of play during the third session on the first day. As of the latest update, India reached a total of 208 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. KL Rahul, who stood strong at 70, and Mohammed Siraj at 0, were at the crease.
Rahul’s noteworthy innings included a half-century achieved in 80 balls, marked by a six off Nandre Berger. He entered the field after Shreyas Iyer’s departure in the second session, forming valuable partnerships with Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah. Rahul’s fifty in the 52nd over, featuring consecutive boundaries off Berger, solidified his position as India’s top scorer in this innings.
Kagiso Rabada spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming five crucial wickets, while Nandre Berger secured two, and Marco Jansen took one. From the Indian batting lineup, notable contributions came from Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31), among others.
In a historic twist, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada secured his place in cricket history by dismissing Indian captain Rohit Sharma for the 13th time, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee. Rohit, unfortunately, fell early in the innings, scoring 5 runs in 14 balls.
South Africa’s cricketing history resonates with bowling prowess, as seen in the list of Test cricket five-wicket haul leaders.
Dale Steyn leads with 26, followed by Allan Donald (20), Makhaya Ntini (18), Shaun Pollock (16), Kagiso Rabada, and Hugh Tayfield (14 each).
This impressive legacy showcases the consistent excellence of South African bowlers in the demanding Test format.