South Africa has won the second Freedom Series Test against India by seven wickets. The series is now levelled 1-1. Netizens are abuzz on social media following the same.
It was a composed performance by South Africa in the second Test against India of the 2021-22 Freedom Series. On Thursday (Day 4), SA pulled off a seven-wicket win at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. As a result, it happened to be a historic win while the netizens went abuzz on social media, especially for Protea skipper Dean Elgar and his glorious knock of an unbeaten 96.
Day 4 was primarily marred by rain as the opening two sessions were washed out. However, play resumed thanks to the excellent drainage system at the ground and the rain cleared in the final session. SA resumed at the overnight score of 118/2, with Elgar unbeaten on 46 and Rassie van der Dussen on 11.
Sometimes you just have to doff off your hat and say well played. Huge respect for Elgar. Was stranded on 86* as SA lost from a winning position at Joburg last time. This time gets his team home. Really admire his 'over my dead body' attitude. Take a bow Elgar and SA 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/opjqpGF5fG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)It was at this time when Elgar scored his 18th Test half-century. Van der Dussen was the only man to fall on Thursday, as seamer Mohammed Shami got rid of him for 40 at 175. However, with Temba Bavuma (23*) coming in, along with the skipper, he got the job done, thus winning by seven wickets.
The best day in South African cricket for the last three years. India's fortress in this country has been breached. Dean Elgar has led exceptionally, with bat and in the aftermath of an unexpected retirement. We go to Cape Town 1-all!
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM)Consequently, some records were scripted in the process:
Dean Elgar is one tough bastard. It's fitting he's anchoring this run-chase. Since the start of 2018 only one batsman has batted against tougher bowling/conditions according to our xAve model & only two (Pujara & Rahane) have taken more blows on the helmet, body & gloves. pic.twitter.com/TVuGyD8TM7
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket)Match summary
Winning the toss, stand-in Indian skipper KL Rahul opted to bat, as the visitors scored 202, while the hosts were bowled out for 229. The Indian batters put on a better show in the second innings to finish at 266, while South Africa pulled it off on Day 4 by seven wickets, thanks to captain Dean Elgar's unbeaten 96.
Brief scores: IND 202 & 266 (Pujara- 53, Rahane- 58; Ngidi- 3/43) leads SA 229 & 118/2 (Elgar- 46*; Ashwin- 1/14) by 122 runs.