South Africa blew India by an innings and 32 runs on Thursday, clinching victory within three days and securing an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, denying the ‘Men in Blue’ another opportunity to claim a series win in the rainbow nation.
Despite a valiant effort by Virat Kohli, who stood firm amidst a collapse, the Indian batting lineup struggled against the fiery South African pacers, succumbing to 131 in 34.1 overs, losing 7 wickets in the evening session.
Kohli and Shubman Gill (26) were the only Indian batters to reach double figures, while Nandre Burger (4-33) and Marco Jansen (3-36) dismantled the Indian batting lineup.
In the post-match discussion, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment in his team’s performance after the defeat within three days, labeling it as “not good enough” and stating they “failed” to “come together collectively”.
“Guys have been here before, so we understand what to expect from the conditions. Every individual has their own plan,” Rohit said.
“Our batters faced challenges at different times. We didn’t adapt well. Our batting in both innings was poor, leading us to this position,” he added.
Earlier in the day, South Africa posted a commanding 408 in response to India’s first-innings total of 245.
Dean Elgar, who announced his retirement from international cricket after this series against India, played a classy innings of 185, while Jansen contributed an unbeaten 84.
India was 62-3 at tea, with Kagiso Rabada, who took 5-59 in the first innings, claiming the crucial wicket of India’s skipper.
Player of the match Elgar commented, “You need fast bowlers and potentially a spinner to take 20 wickets. You need everyone firing. Kagiso Rabada was amazing, and Nandre emerged brilliantly. It was a fantastic team performance.”
The second and final test is scheduled to be played in Cape Town from January 3rd to 7th.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma will miss the second Test due to a recurring hamstring injury.
Bavuma sustained a tear while chasing a ball to the boundary on the first day and was unable to bat, with Elgar expected to deputize in his absence.