India secures a thrilling win against South Africa, marking the shortest test in a century
The New Year’s Test in Cape Town played on 3 and 4th Jan 2024, is the witnessed the fastest Test match in over a century. The test lasted just 107 overs across two action-packed days. India emerged victorious in this test by 7 wickets, balancing the series 1-1 from the South Africa.
The cricketing world is astonishing a historic spectacle at Newlands as India crushed South Africa in a blistering two-day Test, which is the shortest test ever in the history. The test is played only at just 107 overs by both teams. The second Test saw India demolish the South Africa by 7 wickets, balance their test series in the South African ground and level it in 1-1.
Dominant Bumrah Sets Stage for Indian bowling attacks: After suffering from a heavy innings and 32-runs defeat in the 1st Centurion test, India entered the Cape Town Test with fire in their full forms and capacity. Spear-headed by the irrepressible Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj the Indian bowling attack tore through the South African batting in both innings. Bumrah played with confidence and his tough swing claimed 8 wickets across the matches, including a devastating 6-61 in the second innings that decimated South Africa for a paltry 173.
Mohammad Siraj is the tough player for SA in the 1st innings.
Siraj was claimed 7 wickets across the both innings, including a devastating 6-15 in the 1st innings that destroyed South Africa for a petty 55.
The entire Indian pace attack was relentless, with Mukesh Kumar and Prasiddh Krishna chipping in with crucial wickets.
Markram’s Century in Vain Against Tough Bowling:
Aiden Markram stood tall amidst the carnage, scoring an uncooperative 106 in the second innings. The lone warrior displayed grit and determination, but the rest of the South African batting crumbled under the Indian bowling pressure. The South Africans managed just 176 runs in 36 overs in their second innings. They have set a modest target of 80 runs for victory.
India Secure Win with Clinical Chase:
Indian openers Yashasvi Jaisawal and Rohit Sharma started the chase cautiously, navigating the early swing of SA Bowling. However, once they have settled, they accelerate and put on a 46-run stand before Jaiswal departed. Shubman Gill played a composed innings of 12, ensuring the chase stayed on track. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli then finished the job with an unbeaten stand of 31, guiding India to a comfortable victory within half a session in 12 overs.
Record-Breaking Achievement Marks Historic Win:
The win, achieved in just over 3 sessions and 18 minutes, was the shortest ever Test match with a result in the format’s 147-year history. The previous record of 109.2 overs was set back in 1932 between Australia and South Africa. India’s emphatic victory was not just about the record books, it was a statement of resilience and a testament to the talent within the Indian squad.
Reactions & Implications:
The cricket world erupted in praise for India’s stunning performance. Former players and pundits lauded the exceptional bowling display and the clinical chase. The win not only draws the series level but also provides India with a significant morale boost as they continue their quest for Test series wins away from home.
South Africa, on the other hand, will have to introspect. The fragile batting and inconsistent bowling raise questions about their preparation and tactics. The Proteas face a steep mountain to climb in the final Test if they want to win the series and retain their top spot in the ICC Test rankings.
This historic Test match in Cape Town will be remembered for years to come, not just for the record-breaking brevity but also for the sheer dominance displayed by India. The Proteas have their work cut out, while India heads into the final Test with the momentum and the belief of a champion side.
