In a riveting second Test match between India and South Africa at Cape Town, Team India seized control on the opening day by bowling out the Proteas for a mere 55 runs. South African captain Dean Elgar’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as the team faced an unrelenting Indian bowling attack.
The day’s play saw wickets falling in all three sessions, with India establishing dominance and securing a significant lead of 98 runs. However, India’s innings concluded in a surprising turn of events, losing their last 6 wickets in just 11 balls without adding any runs to the scoreboard. South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Berger claimed 3 wickets each.
Criticism surrounds Team India’s surrender, especially as it initially appeared they would extend their lead to 200 runs. Despite Rohit Sharma providing a fast start, the team faced a sudden collapse, starting with Lungi Ngidi’s over, which saw the dismissal of key players like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Virat Kohli.
South Africa’s first innings lasted only 23.2 overs, marking their lowest score against India. The previous lowest was 79 in 2015 at Nagpur, and they were previously dismissed for 84 runs on home soil in 2006. This marked only the third instance of South Africa being bowled out for less than 100 runs by India in Test cricket.
The standout performance of the day came from Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 6 wickets for just 15 runs. Siraj’s remarkable spell propelled him to the third position in terms of the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in South Africa. The record for the best spell in South Africa is held by Shardul Thakur, who took 7 wickets for 61 runs in Johannesburg in 2022.
Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh holds the second-best bowling figures in South Africa, with 7 wickets for 120 runs in Cape Town in 2012. Siraj’s exceptional performance saw him surpass the likes of Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Bowling out a team for less than 100 runs is a significant achievement in Test cricket, and Team India has accomplished this feat against South Africa three times. Notably, India has achieved this milestone against other formidable teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand.
The recent resurgence in India’s fast-bowling prowess has played a crucial role in their success, exemplified by their dominant performance on the first day of the Cape Town Test. The Indian team is now poised for a strong batting display in the upcoming innings.
Lowest All-Out Totals Against India in Test Matches:
1. South Africa (SA): 55 in 2024 at Cape Town
2. New Zealand (NZ): 62 in 2021 at Wankhede
3. South Africa (SA): 79 in 2015 at Nagpur
4. England (ENG): 81 in 2021 at Ahmedabad
5. Sri Lanka (SL): 82 in 1990 at Chandigarh
Team India’s Wickets Fell as Follows:
1-17, Yashasvi Jaiswal 2.1 overs
2-72, Rohit Sharma 14.2 overs
3-105, Shubman Gill 20.6 overs
4-110, Shreyas Iyer 22.2 overs
5-153, KL Rahul 33.1 overs
6-153, Ravindra Jadeja 33.3 overs
7-153, Jasprit Bumrah 33.5 overs
8-153, Virat Kohli 34.2 overs
9-153, Mohammad Siraj 34.4 overs
10-153, Prasidh Krishna 34.5 overs
South Africa 1st Innings: 55/10, 23.2 overs
India First Innings: 153/10, 34.5 overs
Sunil Yash Kalra is a women’s cricket historian and founder of Indian Sports Fans.