India claim consolation victory
Chasing 241 for victory, South Africa were on top at 124 for one, but lost their last nine wickets for just 53 runs
JOHANNESBURG: Superb seam bowling allowed India to rip through South Africa’s batting line-up and seal a 63-run consolation victory on day four of the third and final Test at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Chasing 241 for victory on a wicket with pace, bounce and prodigious lateral movement, South Africa were on top at 124 for one, but lost their last nine wickets for just 53 runs as India roared back into the contest. Dean Elgar (86 not out) and Hashim Amla (52) had given South Africa hope with a 119-run second wicket stand.
However, South Africa lost their way following Amla’s dismissal 20 minutes before tea, with four bats- men out for ducks. The wickets were shared between the excellent Mohammed Shami (five for 28), Ishant Sharma (two for 31), Jasprit Bumrah (two for 57) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (one for 39). South African claimed the series 2-1 after victories in Cape Town and Pretoria.
The Test victory will be espe- cially pleasing for India after it was achieved on a treacherous Wanderers wicket.
“We required some character playing on a pitch that was very difficult to play on, but our guys showed great guts and determination through the four days,” India captain Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
“We took the challenge, we wanted to face it head on.
“Batting first was something that didn’t go down well with a lot of people, but we knew it would get even more difficult to bat as the game went on.”
The batsmen in particular showed bravery and skill on a surface that at once stage was deemed so dangerous by umpires Ian Gould and Aleem Dar that they suspended play 20 minutes from the close on day three.
Resuming on 17 for one, South Africa played patiently through the rain-shorted morning session, but Amla’s dismissal sparked a swing in momentum. Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports